Plains and Valleys: Formation, Characteristics, and Global Significance

Plains and Valleys: Life and Landscapes

Erosion and the resulting deposition processes create plains and valleys with sediments from rivers. These are related to various aspects, including plains of sand and glacial origins, as well as human settlements. Examples include the plains of the Tigris-Euphrates, Danube, Amazon, and Indo rivers. Civilizations emerged in these valleys, such as those in Mesopotamia and Egypt.

Plains of the Americas

In the Americas, plains are found in:

• Tropical Zone: Orinoco, Amazon
• Temperate Zone: Central North American Plain, Silver Plain

The Amazon plain is shared by Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Bolivia, and Guyana. It features an equatorial climate. Human intervention, particularly in farming, began around 1840 with government exploitation of rubber. Medicinal plants, land, gold, and petroleum are also significant resources. Indigenous tribes still live in a primitive way.

Central North American Plain

This plain has a distinct relief formed by the slopes of the Appalachian Mountains. It consists of glacial deposits, resulting in deep and fertile soils. There is a variety of soil types and topography, with agriculture heavily influenced by multinational corporations.

Silver Plain

Located in Argentina and Uruguay, this plain is known for livestock farming (meat and dairy) and the extraction industry.

European Plains and Valleys

Agriculture in Europe is highly diverse and technologically advanced.

French Plain (Aquitaine Basin)

This basin includes cultivated land and produces some of the best wine in the world. The Paris Basin cultivates wheat and sunflowers.

Flanders Plain

Located in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Rhine River Plain

Traversed by three rivers, this plain is home to important cities and mineral deposits, which are economically significant.

Russian European Plain

Known as a fertile and industrial agricultural center, particularly in the Volga River valley, which produces wheat and rye.

Plains and Valleys of Asia

Mesopotamia (Iraq)

The plain between the Euphrates and Tigris rivers supports crops such as wheat, rye, cotton, and fruits.

China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Burma, and India

These countries use hydraulic irrigation systems with canals to grow crops like tea.

Indo-Gangetic Plain

Formed below the Himalayas, this plain includes the Ganges River, considered sacred in India, and extends into Bangladesh.

African Valleys and Plains

The two major plains of Africa show great contrasts.

Congo Basin

With a wide equatorial climate, this humid forest is dominated by tropical vegetation.

Nile River Valley

Long and narrow, this valley has a desert climate with little vegetation.

Congo Plain

Located in the Republic of Congo, surrounded by mountains, and rich in rubber and mineral deposits.

Nile River Valley

Originating in Lake Victoria, it runs north through Sudan and the Egyptian desert. Agriculture is practiced through irrigation, with cotton as a major export, along with corn, sugarcane, and date palms. Population density is high in the valley but low in the desert.