Spain's Wet Regions: Climate, Forests, and Ecology

Spain's Wet Regions: Climate and Ecosystems

Defining Rainy Spain: Geography and Precipitation

The **Rainy Spain** encompasses the entire north of the Iberian Peninsula, including Galicia and major mountain systems such as the Pyrenees, Cantabrian Mountains, Central System, Iberian System, Sierra Morena, and the Betic Cordilleras. Average precipitation values exceed 800 mm annually, often surpassing 2000 mm in areas most exposed to moist oceanic flows.

Sources of High Rainfall

This high level of precipitation is primarily due to **Atlantic storms**. However, in the Pyrenees, Mediterranean influence and summer storms also play a significant role.

Wettest Locations in Spain

The wettest places in Spain are found in specific regions:

• Areas of Galicia
• Western Pyrenees (where averages can reach 3000 mm)
• Sierra de Grazalema (known for exceptionally high rainfall)

Forest Ecosystems in Wet Spain

Due to its high precipitation, **deciduous forests** predominate in Wet Spain, particularly on the Atlantic side (excluding higher mountain areas). These forests are largely composed of:

• Oak trees
• Beech trees

These species stretch from Galicia to the Pyrenees. While some wetlands may feature only one of these tree types, they are most commonly found together.

Transition Zones and Humid Continental Forests

Moving inland from the coast, within the wet region, a **transition zone** emerges. Here, the deciduous forest gradually gives way to a **humid continental forest**, which is also situated around major mountain systems. This forest marks the ecological boundary between deciduous and Mediterranean forest types.

Characteristics of Humid Continental Forests

In these transition areas, rainfall remains abundant but is lower than in the immediate coastal regions. The dominant tree species are:

• Quercus faginea (Portuguese oak or "quejigo")
• Scots Pine

These species require less water than oaks and beeches and are well-adapted to thermal contrasts.

Human Impact and Mixed Forests

Coastal regions have undergone significant transformation due to human activity over time, including historical agriculture and modern construction. Furthermore, human introduction of new species has led to the development of **mixed forests**, where native oaks and beeches combine with conifers.

Mountain Bioclimatic Zones

Mountain areas are organized into distinct **bioclimatic zones**, determined by altitude and exposure. In these humid mountain regions, you will find:

• Oak forests
• Beech forests
• Quercus faginea (quejigo) forests
• Pine forests

Each species thrives in the bioclimatic zone best suited to its requirements. At certain altitudes, trees give way to **bushes and shrubs**, as these are the only plant forms capable of adapting to the harsh, low-temperature conditions.