Rainforests are ecosystems known for dense vegetation and substantial rainfall. These forests are globally recognized for their rich biodiversity, housing a vast array of unique plant and animal species. They also regulate the planet’s climate and water cycles. Understanding their locations provides insight into their ecological importance and the conditions that allow them to thrive.
Global Distribution Overview
Rainforests are found in specific geographical bands across the Earth, determined by climatic factors. Tropical rainforests concentrate near the equator, within 10 degrees north and south, or between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. This equatorial belt experiences consistent warmth and high humidity necessary for their growth. Temperate rainforests, in contrast, are in cooler coastal regions farther from the equator, in both hemispheres. These areas benefit from oceanic influences and often mountainous terrain, which contribute to abundant precipitation.
Tropical Rainforest Hotspots
The largest tropical rainforests are found in three primary regions. The Amazon Basin, spanning South America, is the largest continuous tropical rainforest, covering approximately 6 million square kilometers. It is primarily in Brazil, with significant portions extending into Peru, Colombia, and other neighboring countries.
Africa’s Congo Basin hosts the second largest tropical rainforest. This forest covers approximately 1.7 million square kilometers, mainly within the Democratic Republic of Congo, extending into Cameroon, Gabon, and other central African nations. Southeast Asia is home to tropical rainforests, particularly on islands like Borneo and New Guinea, and parts of Indonesia, Malaysia, and other mainland countries. These forests are known for their exceptional biodiversity.
Temperate Rainforest Regions
Temperate rainforests, less extensive than their tropical counterparts, are found in several cool, moist coastal areas. The Pacific Northwest of North America holds the largest coastal temperate rainforest, stretching from northern California through Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and Alaska. This region is characterized by towering coniferous trees. Another significant temperate rainforest region is found along the Pacific coast of southern Chile and parts of Argentina, known as the Valdivian temperate rainforest.
Smaller temperate rainforest pockets exist in other parts of the world. These include coastal areas of Norway, parts of Japan, southeastern Australia, and New Zealand. In these locations, proximity to oceans and coastal mountain ranges contribute to consistently high rainfall and moderate temperatures necessary for their development.
Climatic Conditions for Rainforests
Rainforest locations are directly tied to specific climatic conditions: consistent high rainfall and stable temperatures. Tropical rainforests thrive in areas with consistently warm temperatures, ranging from 20°C to 29°C (68°F to 84°F), and receiving substantial annual rainfall, exceeding 1,800 to 2,500 millimeters (70 to 100 inches). This precipitation is distributed evenly throughout the year, with no pronounced dry season, maintaining high humidity. The equatorial sun provides constant energy, fueling dense plant growth.
Temperate rainforests, conversely, depend on a combination of moderate temperatures and high precipitation, ranging from 1,200 to over 3,000 millimeters (50 to 120 inches) annually. Their existence is linked to oceanic influences, where moist air masses from the ocean encounter coastal mountain ranges. As this moist air is forced upwards, it cools and releases its moisture as rain or fog, a process known as orographic precipitation. This consistent moisture, coupled with mild temperatures that rarely drop below freezing, creates the conditions for these forests to flourish.