In this region, sedimentary strata overlie Precambrian bedrock, resulting in low-lying plains and smooth plateaux, especially in the southern portions. The northern portions of the region present a contrast to the horizontal coastline and sodden lowlands of the south. The land rises abruptly to a high plateau. Several spectacular fjords slash inland, with sheer cliffs rising over 1000 metres.
Vegetation is sparse, dwarfed and starved, particularly in the northern part of the region.
In the southern lowlands, wet meadows of sedges, cottongrass and moss cover large areas. Large numbers of polar bear, caribou, wolf, arctic fox, wolverine, collared lemming and the arctic hare are found in fertile areas of the land and sea. Lesser snow geese, Canada geese, brant, king eider, common eider and oldsquaw nest and feed on the marshy sedge tundra of the plain in summer. No national parks exist yet in this region.