Great Plains

The Great Plains is a vast, central biome defined by its low-relief, relatively flat topography. It stretches from 0° to 35°E and from 40°N to 15°N, making it an expansive area that occupies the heart of the continent. The consistent topography is punctuated by subtle variations that define its local characteristics.

Atmospheric and Weather Phenomena

Tornadoes and Supercell Thunderstorms

These weather events are common in the Great Plains. The combination of cold, dry air from the north and warm, moist air from the south creates atmospheric instability. When these air masses collide, they can spawn powerful supercell thunderstorms that, under the right conditions, can produce tornadoes. The flat landscape provides an unobstructed view, making these events particularly visible and dramatic.

Shelf and Wall Clouds

These are specific types of clouds associated with powerful thunderstorms. A shelf cloud is a low, wedge-shaped cloud that forms at the leading edge of a storm and often indicates a line of powerful winds and heavy rain. A wall cloud is a localized lowering of the cloud base, often rotating, and is the key indicator that a tornado may be forming.

Praire Fires

The combination of dry conditions, wind, and lightning strikes can lead to massive prairie fires. These fires move quickly across the open grasslands. While they can be destructive, they are also a natural and essential part of the ecosystem, clearing out old vegetation and allowing new growth to flourish.

Terrestrial Phenomena

Fairy Rings

A fairy ring is a naturally occurring ring of mushrooms on the ground. They are a phenomenon of the fungal mycelium growing outward in a circle underground, and mushrooms only appear at the edges of the circle. While they are a natural biological process, their sudden and mysterious appearance on the open grasslands can lend themselves to a sense of magic and folklore.

Sea of Grass

Due to the endless, low-relief topography, the prairie can create an illusion similar to a calm ocean. On windy days, the grass will move in waves, and the horizon will appear to be a seamless curve, which could be disorienting to someone accustomed to seeing mountains or forests.

General Climate

The climate of the region is mainly continental, which means that it has hot summers, cold winters, and moderate precipitation. Its immense latitudinal spread creates a significant north-to-south temperature gradient, making the northern half vastly different from the southern half.

Temperature Extremes: The plains are defined by a wide seasonal temperature range. The mostly landlocked region heats up quickly in the summer and cools down rapidly in the winter. The northern regions experience very cold, snowy winters and hot summers, while the southern sections benefit from the coast and have milder winters and extremely hot, humid summers.

Precipitation: The Plains are relatively dry. The primary source of moisture comes from the southeastern coast, which funnels moist air northward. This leads to a gradient of precipitation, with the southeast being the wettest and the northwest being the driest. The central and western parts of the plains will be semiarid to arid.

Wind: The flat, unobstructed landscape makes this region very windy. Strong winds are a constant in this region, and are particularly intense during storms. These winds contribute to the temperature extremes by bringing cold, northern air masses in the winter, and hot southern air in the summer.

Regional Differences

Northern Plains (40°N): This area has a humid continental climate. It experiences all four seasons, with hot summers and cold, snowy winters. This region is likely to be a mixed grassland and woodland, with some agricultural potential.

Central Plains (30°N to 20°N): The climate here is more semiarid to arid. Winters are mild, but summers are very hot. Precipitation is limited, supporting short grasses and sparse shrubs. This is the classic "plains" environment.

Southern Plains & Coastal Southeast (15°N): This region has a humid subtropical climate. It is defined by hot, humid summers and mild winters. Proximity to the coast ensures higher humidity and more consistent rainfall, which can support different types of vegetation, perhaps even leading to wetlands near the coast. The southeast coast would also be susceptible to tropical storms or hurricanes.

Flora

Grasses

Tallgrass Prairie: In the wetter, southeastern parts of the plains, where the climate is more humid, you would find tall grasses like big bluestem and Indiangrass, which can grow to be over 6 feet tall. These grasses create a lush, dense environment.

Mixed-Grass Prairie: The central plains would have a mix of tall and short grasses, transitioning as the climate becomes drier.

Short-Grass Prairie: In the arid western and central sections, the dominant species would be drought-resistant short grasses like buffalo grass and blue grama, which form a dense sod.

Other

Wildflowers: The plains would have a beautiful and diverse array of wildflowers that bloom in the spring and summer, including coneflowers, sunflowers, and prairie roses.

Trees: Trees would be scarce and found almost exclusively along riverbanks and in the shelter of canyons or hills. Species would include cottonwood, willow, and elm, which are well-adapted to the moisture available in these areas.

Fauna

Large Herbivores

Bison/Buffalo: Large, heavy grazers that move in massive herds. Their grazing habits are essential to the health of the prairie, as they trim grasses and their hoofs can disturb the soil, promoting new growth.

Pronghorn: An animal known for its incredible speed, essential for escaping predators in the open plains.

Wild Horses or Camels: Herds of wild horses or other camelids, well-adapted to travel long distances, could be found roaming the plains.

Predators

Wolves: The primary pack hunters, preying on bison and other large herbivores.

Coyotes: Smaller, more opportunistic predators that hunt in packs, preying on smaller animals.

Cougars/Pumas: These large cats would be found in the more rugged, rocky areas or along river systems where they can find cover.

Small Animals

Prairie Dogs: These burrowing rodents create massive colonies, known as "towns," which are mini-ecosystems themselves, providing food and shelter for a variety of other species like burrowing owls, ferrets, and rattlesnakes.

Badgers, Gophers, and Ground Squirrels: Other burrowing animals that are a crucial part of the food web.

Birds

Raptors: Eagles, hawks, and falcons would soar on the thermals, hunting small mammals and birds.

Ground Birds: Species like the greater prairie chicken and quail would make their homes on the ground.

Migratory Birds: The river systems would be major flyways for migratory birds like ducks, geese, and cranes.

Reptiles

In the drier, southern portions, you would find snakes and various lizards.

Abundant

Arable Land

The most abundant resource available is the land itself. The flat, low-relief topography is ideal for large-scale agriculture. The soils, formed over millennia by the breakdown of grasses, would be rich and deep, especially in the more humid southeastern and northern sections. This land would be perfect for growing grains like wheat, corn, and barley.

Fertile Soil

The plains have vast stretches of deep, fertile topsoil. The continuous growth and decay of prairie grasses would create a nutrient-rich, black earth that is highly productive for farming.

Groundwater

While the surface is dry, the flat plains with a sedimentary geology would likely have extensive underground aquifers. These vast reservoirs of groundwater, replenished by rivers and rain, would be a vital resource for both agriculture and any settlements that are built in the region.

Wildlife

The massive herds of herbivores like bison and pronghorn would be a major resource. They would provide not only a constant food source (meat) but also materials like hides for leather, bones for tools, and sinew for thread.

Fossil Fuels

Given the sedimentary geology and the long history of organic matter decay (both from past grasses and any historical shallow seas), the Great Plains would be a prime location for fossil fuels. Oil, natural gas, and coal could be found in abundance in deep underground deposits.