Question

How are plains formed?

Answer 1

Hint: Plains are one of the four major types of landforms. It is an extensive area of relatively flat land. Plains include more than one-third of the world's land area.

Complete Step by Step Answer:
Plains are formed in various ways. Based on the mode of formation, plains are divided into 3 major types:
1.Structural Plains
2.Depositional Plains
3.Erosional Plains

-Some plains formed by weathering or wearing away rocks, eroding ice and water. Water and ice carry pieces of rock, bits of dirt and other materials which are called sediment. This sediment is laid down in the form of plains.
-Volcanic activity can also lead to the formation of plains. When the lava flows across the land it forms lava plains on the surface of the earth.
-Plains are also formed due to the movement of rivers. Many rivers which run through valleys move side to side and gradually erode the valley, forming broad plains. When there is flood in rivers, it overflows its bank. The flood carries mud, sand, and other sediments with it which remains after the water withdraws. If floods keep on occurring in a river then the deposition of the sediments form flood plains. These plains are very fertile and rich in nutrients.
-The deposition of sediments in the ocean might also rise above the sea forming coastal plains. For example; The Atlantic Coastal Plain which extends along the eastern coast of North America.
-There are also plains found at the bottom of the ocean known as Abyssal Plains. They are the flattest, smoothest places on Earth.

The Indo-Gangetic plains is one of the major plains of the world. It is the most fertile region due to the alluvial deposits brought by the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers. This region is the most densely populated region of the world.

Note: The West Siberian Plain, in central Russia, is the largest plain of Asia and also in the world. Plains are an important area for executing agricultural activities.