Types of Plains: On the basis of formation, plains are grouped in three categories: Structural Plains: Plains that lie near the coast of a sea or an ocean are called structural plains. Due to endogenetic movements, large, broad, flat areas of the sea floor are raised and appear on the surface. These types of plains are very flat and broad. The addition of sediments brought in by the sea waves over a period of time makes them broader and flatter than they originally were. Structural plains border all countries. The coastal plains of south-eastern USA near the Gulf Coast, which are part of the Great Plains, are one of the largest plains in the world. The plains of northern Russia and the central lowlands of Australia are other examples of structural plains. Erosional Plains: Erosional plains are the result of the erosion of mountains, hills and plateaux. The eroded material is brought down to a low level by wind, rivers, rain, and ice. This kind of erosion caused by various agents gives rise to several types of plains. The plains of northern Canada, northern Europe and Kashmir in India are examples such plains.
Depositional Plains : Depositional plains are formed by sediments brought down on a large scale by natural agents such as moving ice, water and wind from the upper regions of mountains.
