Mockelmossen (a preserve on the Stora Alvar on Oland): This area contains the largest stretch of water on Stora Alvar (a 300 square kilometer high limestone heath on the southern portion of Oland). Its size varies according to rainfall, and the level of water is regulated by evaporation. On one summer day, an abundance of sunshine and wind can expose hundreds of square meters of chalky mud and flat rocks.

Annual precipitation is low (450 mm), and availability of fresh water varies between seasons. This area was used for grazing as far back as the early Stone Age. But, it is not very suitable for agriculture due to its limestone base and very thin soil covering. It seems like an alpine type of landscape. In fact, in some ways it reminds me of the Everglades.