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The Eel River Basin experiences
a basic Mediterranean climate. Summer is characterized by cool coastal
temperatures and hot dry weather in the interior mountain valleys.
Winter months are characterized by frequent precipitation but seldom
freezing along the coast. Inland areas experience more severe weather.
Above 2,500 feet snow is likely to fall, but only above 5,000 feet
does it remain for any period of time. Only in the area of the Middle
Fork of the Eel River does the snow accumulation become great enough
to affect streamflow run-off. The California coast is unique in
that it has a submergent coast. The steep drop off of the ocean
floor makes the deep water cold. The surface water heats up and
evaporates into fog which is sucked inland. The fog is then captured
from the air in the tremendous branches of the grand redwoods. The
trees transport the moisture to the ground where it is utilized
by many other life forms. This phenomenon of moisture transport
is known as "fog drip."
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