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Coastal plains are low-lying areas adjacent to the ocean, with unique habitats and geological features. The largest one stretches along the southern US coast, with rich soil deposits and prone to flooding. They are home to unique plant and animal species and can be studied by geologists for their history and resources.
A coastal plain is an area of low-lying, mostly flat land adjacent to the ocean. The plain actually extends under water and is part of the continental shelf. Coastal lowlands tend to have unique plant and animal habitats and interesting geological features. One of the largest coastal plains in the world stretches along the coast of the southern United States, from the mid-Atlantic states to Texas. This plain covers a wide range of environmental conditions and is home to numerous human populations.
Coastal lowlands develop gradually as the continental shelf slowly emerges over millions of years of geological change. Older steps are more worn and tend to be deeply cut by rivers and streams, while newer steps have a less weathered appearance. The slope of the coastal plain is gentle due to the very slow uplift that creates it. Rich alluvial soil deposits can be found in these regions along with sedimentary rocks, often in layers below the surface.
Commonly, a coastal plain has a number of marshes and wetlands as well as large areas of estuaries. Algae and other resistant species can be found near the ocean and will transition to scrub and trees. These regions are sometimes excellent for agriculture, as the rivers that intersect them carry loads of alluvial soils and can create rich material for cultivation. The coastal plain is also very prone to flooding due to the low elevation. Human populations can install levees, sluices, and other control mechanisms to limit flooding, especially in communities that are below sea level.
Unique plant and animal species often find their home on the coastal plain and may occupy specific ecological niches. For example, aquatic birds such as storks, herons and ducks tend to frequent wetlands. Some coastal plains extend a significant distance inland, while others may be bordered by mountains and other structures relatively close to the coast. Human populations tend to settle in these regions for easy access to the ocean; ports, for example, are commonly located on a coastal plain.
From a geological point of view, these regions can be interesting to study. Geologists can examine the underlying rock and soil deposits to learn more about the history of geological activity in the region. They can find elements of interest such as deposits of fossils, oil and gas or aquifers that can be exploited to meet water needs.
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