This ecoregion extends northward from Schefferville and encompasses most of the Labrador
Hills in northeastern Québec. It covers only a very small area in Labrador. It is characterized
as having cool summers and very cold winters. The mean annual temperature is around -4.5°C,
with a mean summer temperature of 8.5°C and a mean winter temperature of -16°C. The
mean annual precipitation ranges from 300 mm to 400 mm around Ungava Bay to 750 mm in the
Open stands of black spruce, dwarf birch, northern Labrador tea, and lichens comprise about
half of the ecoregion, while shrub makes up the other half. Vegetative cover is limited on dry
sites. Black spruce, Labrador tea, sedge, and sphagnum moss dominate on site that are poorly
drained. The Labrador Hills are composed of ancient sedimentary and volcanic rocks, whose surfaces
form a series of sinuous ridges and valleys. Summit elevations range from about 730 m asl to
about 360 m asl. Glaciation has produced rolling plains with numerous lakes. Drumlins and
ribbed moraines are distributed throughout. Depressions are partly filled with peat accumulations.
Rock outcrops are common in the ecoregion. Permafrost is sporadic and discontinuous, occurring
mainly in wetlands. The ecoregion is home to caribou, small mammals, waterfowl, and other birds.
Hunting and trapping, along with outdoor recreation, are common activities.
©2002, Trevor Bell