llanura

Llanura is a geographic term in Spanish that refers to a large, flat or gently rolling expanse of land with minimal relief. The word comes from llano, meaning flat or level, and is used to describe broad plains in Spanish-speaking regions as well as in English-language geography to translate “plain.”

Llanuras can be categorized by location and formation. Coastal plains, or llanuras litorales, lie along sea margins and are often shaped by marine processes and sedimentation. Inland or continental plains occur within large basins and continental crust, and riverine or alluvial plains form from sediment carried and deposited by rivers. Some llanuras are extensive grasslands or steppes, while others are more arid or semi-arid, with soils and vegetation adapted to those climates. The relief is typically low, but subtle differences in elevation or drainage can influence local ecosystems and land use.

Notable examples and regional contexts. The Pampas of Argentina and Uruguay are among the most famous llanuras, highly productive for agriculture and cattle ranching. The Llanura del Orinoco refers to floodplains and low-lying areas in the Orinoco basin of Venezuela and Colombia. In the United States, the Llano Estacado (Staked Plains) in the southwestern region is a prominent example of a large plain in the American Southwest.

Human use and environmental considerations. Llanuras support extensive farming and grazing due to their flat terrain and fertile soils in some regions, but can be prone to flooding, drought, and erosion. Management practices such as drainage, irrigation, and sustainable pasture use influence their ecological health and economic productivity.