How does the Gulf Stream affect the location of taiga forests in Europe?

The Gulf Stream plays a critical role in determining the distribution of taiga forests in Europe by moderating the climate through its warming influence.12

Because the taiga's position is largely controlled by the warmth experienced during the growing season and winter temperature extremes, the Gulf Stream’s ability to bring warm tropical air to northwestern Europe via prevailing westerlies significantly alters the forest's range. Specifically, this warming effect allows the closed-canopy boreal forest to extend to its northernmost location, generally between 60° and 70° N latitude.12

Without this amelioration, the harsh conditions typical of such high latitudes would likely restrict the growth of these forests. Consequently, the Gulf Stream prevents the taiga from being limited to more southern latitudes, as is observed on the eastern margins of continents where cold polar air masses deflect the forest southward.21