PLAINS ( LANDFORMS OF THE EARTH )

Plains .....

 Plains are large stretches of flat land. They are, generally, not more than 200

metres above mean sea level. Some plains are extremely level. Others may be

slightly rolling and undulating. Most of the plains are formed by rivers and their

tributaries. The rivers flow down the slopes of mountains and erode them. They

carry forward the eroded material. Then they deposit their load consisting of stones,

sand and silt along their courses and in their valleys. It is from these deposits that

plains are formed.

Generally, plains are very fertile. Construction of transport network is easy.

Thus, these plains are very thickly-populated regions of the world. Some of the

largest plains made by the rivers are found in Asia and North America. For example,

in Asia, these plains are formed by the Ganga and the Brahmaputra in India and

the Yangtze in China.

Plains are the most useful areas for human habitation. There is great concentration

of people as more flat land is available for building houses, as well as for cultivation.

Because of fertile soils, the land is highly productive for cultivation. In India too,

the Indo-Gangetic plains are the most densely populated regions of the country.

PLAINS LANDFORMS OF THE EARTH .....

Plains are large, relatively flat areas of land that typically have low relief and are characterized by gentle slopes. They are one of the most common landforms on Earth, covering around 55% of the world's surface. Here are some examples of plains landforms:

Coastal Plains: These are formed by the deposition of sediment along the coastlines. Coastal plains are typically very flat and feature sandy beaches and marshes.

Interior Plains: These are broad, relatively flat regions that are found in the interiors of continents. They are typically covered by grasslands and are used for agriculture.

Floodplains: These are flat areas of land along the banks of rivers and streams that are prone to flooding. They are fertile and are often used for agriculture.

Plateaus: These are flat-topped elevated landforms that are surrounded by steep slopes. Plateaus are often formed by the uplift of the Earth's crust and erosion over time.

Alluvial Plains: These are formed by the deposition of sediment carried by rivers and streams. They are typically very fertile and are often used for agriculture.

Glacial Plains: These are formed by glaciers, which scrape away soil and rock as they move. Glacial plains are often covered by layers of till and feature a flat topography.

Desert Plains: These are flat areas of land found in desert regions. They are typically covered by sand and gravel and are characterized by a lack of vegetation.