Climate
With such a large geographic region, it is only logical that the climate of the Southern forest would vary. Yet, the majority of the Southern forest is characterized as a humid subtropical climate. This climatic region is known for abundant precipitation and high temperatures. The exceptions to this rule are the mountains in the northern regions where the climate and forests can be like that of coastal Maine (Walker and Oswald 2000). Major climate regions of the United States are shown to the right.
The southern growing season averages 180 days or more. In southern Florida, the season is about 320 days. High temperatures over the course of the growing season provide abundant energy for growth, making the South ideal for timber production.
Average U. S. temperatures are depicted in the figure to the left. Some species in the region may have six flushes of growth, in contrast to three or fewer flushes in other suitable growing regions.
Precipitation in the South is generally consistent throughout the region and annually averages 40-60 inches. Average annual precipitation is shown in the figure to the right. The southerly mountains may receive 80 inches, while the northerly mountainous areas may receive upwards of 120 inches of precipitation. Yet, the South is not immune to "dry spells." It is during these dry times that fire, disease, and pest damage can be extremely harmful to the forest (Walker and Oswald 2000).
Encyclopedia ID: p1352
