perhumid

Perhumid is a term used in climatology and pedology to describe a climate or soil condition characterized by persistently high levels of moisture. In a perhumid climate, precipitation significantly exceeds evapotranspiration throughout the year, leading to a constant surplus of water in the environment. This means that for most, if not all, of the year, the rate at which water is lost to the atmosphere through evaporation and transpiration is less than the rate at which water is gained through precipitation.

Soils that develop in perhumid conditions, often referred to as perhumid soils, are typically saturated or nearly saturated for extended periods. This prolonged wetness influences soil formation processes, leading to specific soil characteristics. For instance, perhumid environments often promote the development of soils with poor drainage, a high water table, and a tendency towards anaerobic conditions. These conditions can result in the accumulation of organic matter and the leaching of minerals, contributing to the unique properties of these soils, such as their color and structure. Examples of perhumid climates can be found in tropical rainforests and some temperate rainforest regions.