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The valley bottom consists of an assemblage of tundra polygons, thaw lakes and ponds and mesic hummocky tundra. The water retaining capacity of these topographical features and the poor drainage of the underlying permafrost contribute to the formation of wetlands in the valley. Drier areas dominated by mesic tundra are found on the rims surrounding polygons, better-drained sites in the valley bottom and on slopes, hills and elevated terraces surrounding the valley lowlands. The Qarlikturvik Valley, where the main field station is located, is predominantly a brood-rearing area for goose families although some geese also nest there in a dispersed fashion and in variable numbers depending of the year.
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