Exclusive Edition - The Ultimate Field Guide to Photography: Buy Now!
Visit our Online Shops

Sign up for free

Newsletters

Once a month
get new photos
and expert tips.

Boreal Forest, Arctic Circle, 2002

Photo: Forested shore and blue sky and water

Water and sky form a blue canvas for boreal forest in the Arctic Circle. Circling the globe, the boreal forest—its name derived from Boreas, the Greek god of the north wind—comprises one-third of Earth's wooded lands. The forest begins where the temperate woods of oak and maple disappear and continues north, often past the Arctic Circle. With long, cold winters and short, cool summers, the boreal woods have far less biodiversity than tropical forests.

(Text adapted from and photo shot on assignment for, but not published in, "Boreal: The Great Northern Forest," June 2002, National Geographic magazine)

Photograph by Peter Essick

Special Advertising Section

Photo: Men wearing kilts

Photo Contest

Think your photo is the "Ultimate" winner? Submit your best in six different categories.

Photo: Man picking a tea leaf

Photo Gallery

See how Lipton is dedicated to sustainable agriculture. View photos from Boyd Matson's trip to Africa.

Photo Tip of the Week

Smile!

Always read up about native customs before traveling to a foreign culture. Always smile.

More Photo Tips

Photography DVDs

Photo: Photography DVD box

Get the stories behind the lens and experience photography at its best!

New Photo Books From National Geographic

Photo: Visions of Paradise book cover

Own the latest images from our world-renowned photographers!