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Understanding the Nature of Grasslands

Sunday column

Understanding the Nature of Grasslands

Before identifying the globe’s most expansive grasslands, it's essential to clarify what constitutes a grassland. These ecosystems are immense open regions where the primary vegetation is grass, stretching across vast distances. Grasslands typically form in regions where rainfall is moderate—not sufficient to support forests but enough to prevent the terrain from becoming a desert. They are characteristic of zones with semi-dry to semi-wet climates.

J

June

Desk editor

Editor’s note

The full column continues in quiet type below.

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Sunday Broadsheet

Before identifying the globe’s most expansive grasslands, it's essential to clarify what constitutes a grassland. These ecosystems are immense open regions where the primary vegetation is grass, stretching across vast distances. Grasslands typically form in regions where rainfall is moderate—not sufficient to support forests but enough to prevent the terrain from becoming a desert. They are characteristic of zones with semi-dry to semi-wet climates.
Generally found between woodlands and arid zones, these flat terrains are entirely cloaked in grass.

Different Forms of Grasslands

Before diving deeper, let's examine the varieties of grasslands. You may have heard terms like savanna, steppe, prairie, or pampas—but what exactly do they denote?
Each of these names refers to the same kind of ecosystem but in different geographical regions. In South America, they're called Pampas. North America refers to them as Prairies. In the heart of Eurasia, they're known as Steppes, while Africans refer to theirs as Savannas.
Surprisingly, grasslands span nearly 25% of Earth’s surface.
With that context, let’s explore the ten largest grassland regions across the world:

10. Hulunbuir Grassland – Mongolia

Located in northeastern China’s Inner Mongolian region, this grassland stretches around 93,000 square kilometers. Named after the Hulun and Buir lakes, it’s encircled by nearly 3,000 rivers and 500 lakes. This landscape is nicknamed "The Grass Kingdom" due to its diverse flora—over 120 pasture types thrive here. A lush, vibrant field dotted with wildflowers gives it a mesmerizing beauty.

9. Great Hungarian Plain – Central Europe

This expansive plain crosses southeastern Hungary, parts of Croatia, northern Serbia, and western Romania, spreading over more than 100,000 square kilometers. Roughly half of it lies in Hungary, with the remainder shared among neighboring nations. These prairies are cultivated for various crops, thanks to a well-developed system of irrigation and flood management. The land supports numerous plant species—28 known varieties flourish here.

8. Manchurian Plain – China

Also referred to as the Sung Liao Plain, this fertile area covers 350,000 square kilometers in northeastern China. Its elevation is notably low, with no portion exceeding 1,000 feet. The plain is enriched with dark, nutrient-dense soil deposited from nearby mountain ranges like Da Hinggan, Xiao Hinggan, and Changbai. Bordered to the south by the Gulf of Liaodong, it’s a key agricultural hub for soybeans, corn, rice, and wheat. Major cities such as Harbin, Changchun, and Shenyang are situated here.

7. Llanos – Northern South America

The term "Llanos" means “plains” in Spanish. These grasslands span vast portions of Venezuela and northeastern Colombia, stretching over 570,000 square kilometers. Flanked by the Andes, Guiana Highlands, and the Amazon Basin, the Llanos include areas subject to seasonal flooding as well as drier uplands. Waterlogged regions are marked by swampy vegetation, while drier sections support tall grasses.

6. Pampas – Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil

Covering roughly 750,000 square kilometers, the Pampas extend across several provinces of Argentina, parts of Uruguay, and southern Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul. The mild climate and evenly distributed rainfall throughout the year make it ideal for agriculture. Pampa grass is a signature species here. Although wildfires and occasional floods pose challenges, areas south and west of Buenos Aires are extensively farmed—particularly for vineyards.

5. Kazakh Steppe – Kazakhstan and Russia

Spanning approximately 804,500 square kilometers, the Kazakh Steppe is located primarily in northern Kazakhstan, stretching into parts of southern Russia. Positioned below the Ural Mountains, which divide Europe and Asia, this region features undulating terrain that rises gradually northward. Encircled by additional steppes such as the Pontic and Emin Valley, the region is known for harsh winters, with temperatures plummeting to -18°C, and milder summers reaching around 26°C.

4. Australian Savanna – Northern Australia

Extending from Broome to Townsville, the Australian Tropical Savanna occupies about 1,769,160 square kilometers. This region endures high temperatures, often exceeding 50°C, with wildfires commonly occurring between May and October. Despite the harsh conditions, it supports a distinctive mix of grasses, shrubs, and rare fauna—including massive saltwater crocodiles that can reach lengths of 7 to 8 meters. Its unique climate and biodiversity set it apart from other savannas.

3. Canadian Prairies – Western Canada

Stretching across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, the Canadian Prairies cover an impressive 1,780,650.6 square kilometers. This area exhibits three soil zones: brown (semi-arid), dark brown, and black (humid continental). The terrain here varies dramatically in height, from sea level to over 12,000 feet. Spring and summer can bring thunderstorms and even tornadoes, particularly near the Manitoba border.

2. Great Plains – United States

Spanning around 2.9 million square kilometers, the Great Plains dominate the central United States, covering parts of ten states including Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska. The Rockies lie to the west, the Canadian Shield to the east, the Mackenzie River to the north, and the Rio Grande to the south. Characterized by sudden weather shifts and dry winds, temperatures can rise by over 20°C within hours. This region plays a critical role in American agriculture.

1. Nagqu Grassland – Tibet

Topping the list is the immense Nagqu Grassland, covering an astonishing 40 million square kilometers. Sitting at an elevation of about 4,500 meters, this Tibetan plateau is one of the world’s highest grasslands. Cultivation is limited to a small section on its eastern side. Positioned between the Tangula and Nyaingentanglha mountain ranges, the area remains largely untouched by industrial activity. It provides a sanctuary for Tibetan antelopes and unique species such as wild yaks. Summer temperatures reach up to 23°C, while winter lows hover around -2°C.

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