Chapter 23: The Cool Temperate Continental (Siberian) Climate
This climate is found only in the Northern Hemisphere (because there is no large landmass in these latitudes in the South). It is the land of the Taiga—the largest continuous belt of coniferous forest in the world.
1. Key Regions
- Eurasia: Stretching across Siberia and Northern Russia.
- North America: Most of Canada and Alaska.
- Europe: Parts of Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Finland).
2. Climate: The Land of Extremes
- Temperature: It has the greatest annual range of temperature in the world.
- Winters: Long, bitterly cold, and dark (can drop to
−40°C). Verkhoyansk in Siberia is the “Cold Pole” of the Earth.
- Summers: Short but surprisingly warm (
15°C to
20°C) due to long daylight hours.
- Winters: Long, bitterly cold, and dark (can drop to
- Precipitation: Light (30 cm to 60 cm). Most of it falls as snow in winter and light rain in summer.
3. Natural Vegetation: The Coniferous Forest (Taiga)
The vegetation is perfectly adapted to survive extreme cold and snow:
- Conical Shape: Trees are shaped like cones to let snow slide off without breaking branches.
- Needle-like Leaves: Small, thick leaves reduce transpiration and prevent water loss.
- Evergreen: Trees keep their leaves to start photosynthesis immediately when the short summer arrives (except the Larch, which is deciduous).
- Species: Dominant trees include Pine, Fir, Spruce, and Larch.
4. Economy: The Softwood Powerhouse
- Lumbering: This is the world’s greatest source of Softwood (used for paper, pulp, matches, and construction).
- Logging happens in winter (when the ground is frozen and logs can be easily moved over snow/ice).
- Fur Trapping: Animals have thick, luxurious fur to stay warm. Trapping for sable, ermine, and mink is a traditional industry.
- Agriculture: Very little, as the growing season is too short and the soil (Podzol) is acidic and poor.
10 Revision Questions with Mnemonics
Q1: Why is the Siberian climate not found in the Southern Hemisphere?
- A: Because there is no large landmass in the 50°–70° South latitude; it is all ocean.
- Mnemonic: “Siberia needs Soil” (Land).
Q2: What is the “Taiga”?
- A: The vast coniferous forest of the Siberian-type climate.
- Mnemonic: “Taiga = Trees Across Icy Ground Always.”
Q3: Which place is known as the “Cold Pole” of the world?
- A: Verkhoyansk (Siberia).
- Mnemonic: “Verkhoyansk is Very Very cold.”
Q4: What are the main trees found in the Taiga?
- A: Pine, Fir, Spruce, and Larch.
- Mnemonic: “P.F.S.L.” (Pine, Fir, Spruce, Larch).
Q5: Why are the leaves of these trees needle-shaped?
- A: To reduce water loss through transpiration and withstand the cold.
- Mnemonic: “Needles for No-waste.”
Q6: What is the primary use of softwood from the Taiga?
- A: For Pulp and Paper production.
- Mnemonic: “Softwood makes Stationery” (Paper).
Q7: Describe the soil of the coniferous forest.
- A: Podzol—acidic, leached, and poor in nutrients.
- Mnemonic: “Podzol is Poor.”
Q8: Why is lumbering done in the winter?
- A: The frozen ground provides a firm surface for transport, and sap is dormant.
- Mnemonic: “Winter is for Wood-cutting.”
Q9: Which Taiga tree sheds its leaves in winter?
- A: The Larch.
- Mnemonic: “Larch is the Leaf-loser.”
Q10: What is the “Annual Range” of temperature like here?
- A: It is the highest in the world (difference between
−40°C and
+20°C is
60°C).
- Mnemonic: “Siberia = Swinging temps.”
Quick Summary Table: Softwood vs. Hardwood
| Feature | Softwood (Taiga) | Hardwood (Equatorial/Monsoon) |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Few (Pure Stands) | Hundreds (Mixed) |
| Weight | Light (Floats on water) | Heavy (Sinks) |
| Use | Paper / Pulp | Furniture / Construction |
| Mnemonic | “Softwood is Simple” | “Hardwood is Heavy” |
