What Are Landforms in the North Central Plains of Texas?
Landforms in the North Central Plains of Texas include the Rio Grande River, pine and hardwood forests, deserts and brushlands. The North Central Plains vary in topography and landscape due to the influences of the Rocky Mountains, the Gulf Coast and several fault lines. The Plains contain distinct rolling hills, called “balcones,” which translates to “balconies” in English, and refers to the unique balcony shape of the hills.
The Plains region of Texas covers a vast area, extending from the lowlands in Canada to the southern Gulf Coast. Influenced by the differences in temperature and landforms throughout Texas, the northern, southern, eastern and western parts of the Plains enjoy different characteristics. The northern portion contains mostly dense forests and woodlands. This region contains pine trees and conifers, along with stands of oaks. The western part of the Plains, extending from the Rio Grande River to the Atlantic Ocean, consists of prairies, long flat plateaus, and brushlands. In the south lies the Gulf Coastal Plains, defined geologically by two fault lines. This area enjoys a temperate climate, moderated by the Gulf Stream, and features gently rolling hills. The eastern portion contains a mixture of flatland and forest containing rich, fertile soil, making it a prime agricultural area.