European Plain
Largest mountain-free landform in Europe, spanning from west to east.
via Wikipedia: European Plain · see source
The European Plain, also called the Great European Plain, is a large plain in Europe and a major feature of the Central and Interior Lowlands, one of four major topographical units of Europe. It is the largest mountain-free landform in Europe, stretching from the Pyrenees Mountains and the Bay of Biscay in the west to the Russian Ural Mountains in the east, and includes parts of many countries. Most of the plain lies below 500 feet in elevation and is divided into the North European Plain and the East European Plain.
- type
- Geographical feature
- location
- From Pyrenees Mountains and Bay of Biscay to Ural Mountains
- elevation
- Mostly below 500 feet (152 meters)
- subdivisions
- North European Plain and East European Plain
- biome
- Temperate broadleaf and mixed forest; far eastern portion extends into Eurasian
- major_rivers
- Loire, Rhine, Vistula, Northern Dvina, Daugava, Volga, Don, Dnieper
Lore & Background
The European Plain is a vast, low-lying region that extends across much of Europe. It is divided historically into the North European Plain and the East European Plain, the latter of which includes the Russian Plain covering almost all of European Russia. In Western Europe, the plain is relatively narrow, mostly within 200 miles in width, but broadens significantly toward its eastern part in Western Russia. The plain is cut by many important rivers, including the Loire, Rhine, and Vistula in the west; the Northern Dvina and Daugava flowing northwards; and the Volga, Don, and Dnieper flowing southwards.
Reader's Guide
The European Plain holds great geopolitical significance due to its large, uninterrupted flatland, which provides very little geographic protection against invasion. This has been a continuing problem for states whose heartlands are on the plain, especially Russia, Poland, and France, the latter of which was invaded through the plain three times since 1870, two of which successfully occupied the country (1870 and 1940). Historically, the plains have been the site of numerous battles and invasions, offering relatively easy access to neighboring countries and open space for armies to maneuver. They also play a major role in the European Union as a key region for trade and industry, and the EU's Common Agricultural Policy is heavily influenced by the plains. Additionally, the plains are a major center for the production of renewable energy and are home to many of Europe's most important cultural and historical sites. Ecologically, the plain was once largely covered by forest, but now is the most agriculturally productive region of Europe, with remnants of primeval forest like Białowieża Forest, which straddles the border between Belarus and Poland.
Did You Know?
- The European Plain is the largest mountain-free landform in Europe.
- Most of the Great European Plain lies below 500 feet (152 metres) in elevation.
- The plain is divided historically into the North European Plain and the East European Plain, with the Russian portion of the East European Plain also known as the Russian Plain.
- One of the last and largest remnants of primeval forest on the plain is Białowieża Forest, straddling the border between Belarus and Poland.
- France was invaded through the plain three times since 1870, with successful occupations in 1870 and 1940.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is European Plain in Plateaus and Plains 1-24?
European Plain, also known as the Great European Plain, is the 24th entry in the series and represents the largest continuous mountain-free landform anywhere in Europe. It stretches from the Pyrenees and Bay of Biscay in the west to the Ural Mountains in the east, crossing parts of numerous countries.
What are European Plain's powers/role?
It anchors the Central and Interior Lowlands, one of Europe's four major topographical units, with most of its surface sitting below 500 feet (152 m) in elevation. Major rivers such as the Rhine, Volga, Dnieper, and Don flow across its expanse, and its biome is primarily temperate broadleaf and mixed forest.
How does European Plain's story end?
The plain's far eastern edge terminates at the Ural Mountains, marking the conventional boundary between Europe and Asia. Its very far eastern portion extends into the broader Eurasian landscape beyond the European continent itself.
Why is European Plain important?
It is the single largest mountain-free expanse on the European continent, spanning an extraordinary west-to-east distance and touching parts of many countries. Its vast, low-lying terrain has made it a central corridor for rivers, trade, and settlement throughout European history.
What are European Plain's subdivisions?
The plain is divided into two principal sections: the North European Plain and the East European Plain. Together they cover the full west-to-east span from the Bay of Biscay to the Urals.
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