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Where are temperate rainforests located?
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Temperate forest
Worldwide distribution of temperate forests.
Temperate rainforests are primarily located in the middle latitudes, generally between 40° and 60° in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres. These biomes are typically found along western coastal regions where moisture-laden ocean air rises over mountain slopes, resulting in significant orographic precipitation.1
Key geographic locations include:
- North America: The largest expanses stretch along the western coast from northern California through Oregon, Washington, and Canada up to Alaska.1
- South America: Significant forests are located along the coast of southern Chile.1
- Oceania: These forests occur in southeastern Australia, Tasmania, and various parts of New Zealand.1
- Other Regions: Smaller or remnant temperate rainforests are found in Japan, the United Kingdom, and Norway.1