Rough Draft

Cloud forests occur within tropical mountainous environments where there is consistent cloud cover and make up 1% of global woodland (“Monteverde’s Cloud Forests.”). A cloud forest is characterized by nearly 100% humidity throughout the year (“Monteverde Costa Rica”). A consistent inflow of warm, moist air from the Atlantic ascending the mountains creates the perfect conditions for a cloud forest. As seen here, the cloud cover keeps the forest covered in warm, moist shade.

The climate of the Monteverde Cloud Forest is fairly consistent temperature-wise: the warmest month on average is April with a temperature of 74° F, while the coldest month on average is February with a temperature of 57° F (“Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve”), so temperatures are warm year-round. The cloud forest also receives a large amount of rainfall, with a yearly average of 102 inches, or 8 feet (“Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve”).

Trade winds blow northeasterly (southwestward) off the Atlantic Ocean bringing moist air that ascends the east side of the mountains, creating clouds and producing precipitation. Air then descends down the west side of the mountain evaporating the moisture and reducing cloud cover, creating a more dry environment on the Pacific side of Costa Rica. The contrast can be seen in the video here. Winds are strong and cloud cover is abundant on the Caribbean side, and on the Pacific side winds are clearly more calm and skies are clear.

Vegetation is also indicative of these weather patterns. Thicker, larger vegetation is found on the Caribbean side of the continental divide (east of the mountain range) due to the nearly constant cloudy state, leading to a slower rate of evaporation and a greater abundance of moisture, therein leading to more variety and abundance in biodiversity. Less dense, smaller vegetation on Pacific side of the continental divide (west of the mountain range) due to the lack of cloud cover and decrease in moisture. Taller vegetation at lower altitudes where wind is not a hindrance to growth and temperatures are generally warmer, and shorter vegetation at higher altitudes due to the stronger winds putting stress on the plants and the colder temperatures that come with these strong ascending winds (since air cools at is rises).

Wildlife is yet another indication of weather patterns. Wildlife is more abundant at lower altitudes where wind is more calm and temperatures are more consistent and desirable. At higher altitudes, there is less wildlife due to the fact that winds are generally stronger and temperatures are much cooler.

 

Works cited

“Monteverde Costa Rica / Monteverde Cloud Forest.” Monteverde Costa Rica / Monteverde Cloud Forest. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Apr. 2014.

“Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve.” Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Apr. 2014.

“Monteverde’s Cloud Forests.” Monteverde Costa Rica. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2014.