Naturalplains

Naturalplains is a term used in geography and ecology to describe expansive, low-relief landscapes where natural processes predominate and human alteration is comparatively limited. The concept encompasses grasslands, savannas, floodplains, and open wetlands where hydrology, fire, and soil development largely govern vegetation and ecosystem dynamics.

These landscapes occur on multiple continents and climate zones, from the grass-dominated Great Plains of North America to the Eurasian steppe, the South American pampas, and similar lowland areas in Africa and Asia. Common geographic traits include broad scale, flat to gently undulating topography, and seasonally variable water regimes.

Ecologically, naturalplains are characterized by herbaceous plant communities, with grasses and forbs forming dominant ground cover. Disturbance regimes such as grazing and fire historically maintain high biodiversity and productivity, though anthropogenic changes can shift species composition and reduce habitat complexity.

Human interaction ranges from traditional pastoralism to modern land use, including agriculture, urban development, and energy extraction. Conservation and restoration initiatives seek to preserve natural processes, reconnect fragmented habitats, and protect ecosystem services such as flood mitigation, groundwater recharge, and carbon storage.

In research and policy, naturalplains serve as a reference for understanding plains ecology, climate resilience, and sustainable land management. The term emphasizes a contrast with heavily modified agricultural or urban landscapes and highlights the value of maintaining natural disturbance regimes and habitat connectivity.