what is plains

http://dictionary.reference.com/

Pavleen -- why did you take the time and effort to post this question here? It would be easier for you to look up the meaning in your book or a dictionary.

because this is a better way to check my answer

If you want to check your answers, please post your answers first. In that way we can check them and explain how to do them if you're wrong.

"Plains" typically refers to a geographical term, describing a flat or gently rolling area of land. To understand what plains are, we can break it down into simpler explanations.

1. Definition: Plains are vast stretches of flat or gently undulating land, usually devoid of significant elevation changes, such as hills or mountains. They are typically characterized by their extensive open spaces and lack of substantial vegetation.

2. Formation: Plains can form through different geological processes. One common way is through erosion, where wind, water, or ice gradually wear down mountains or hills, creating flat areas. Plains can also result from geological events like tectonic plate movements or volcanic activity.

3. Types of Plains: Plains can be categorized into different types based on their specific features or formation. Some examples include coastal plains (formed alongside coastlines), floodplains (formed by sediment deposition from rivers), or prairies (wide expanses of grasslands).

4. Global Distribution: Plains exist on every continent and cover a significant portion of the Earth's surface. Examples include the Great Plains in North America, the Eurasian Steppe in Europe and Asia, the Pampas in South America, or the Nullarbor Plain in Australia.

5. Importance: Plains often have fertile soils, making them suitable for agriculture and human settlements. They can provide open spaces for grazing livestock, and their flat terrain makes transportation and infrastructure development easier compared to mountainous regions.

To learn more about plains, you can explore geography textbooks, encyclopedias, or online resources dedicated to the study of physical geography.