The south coast region of the island of Newfoundland is mostly hilly, barren and covered with moss. Bays are long and deep. These were carved by glaciers. Forests grow in glacial soils where bays reach inland and slopes are not too steep. There are thousands of ponds.
The south coast has a marine climate. Winds blow on shore from the sea. Winters are mild. January temperatures average –6° C. Summers are cool to warm with an average temperature of 14° C. Total yearly rainfall is high (average 125cm). The south coast is free of ice year-round.