Taiga Climate: The Subarctic Realm of Coniferous Forests

The climate characterized by long, cold winters, short cool summers, and vast coniferous forests is called the taiga (also boreal or subarctic climate, Köppen Dfc, Dwc, Dfd, Dwd).

Distribution

Spans high northern latitudes across Canada, Alaska, Scandinavia, Russia, and northern Japan.

Vegetation

Dominated by spruce, fir, pine, and larch—evergreen conifers adapted to short growing seasons and nutrient-poor soils.

Ecological Role

The taiga is the world’s largest terrestrial biome and a major carbon sink.