What is a floodplain?

A plain is a large flat area of land. 

A floodplain is a large area of flat land next to a river or stream that often becomes flooded with water. 

When the water in a river or stream rises and breaks the banks, flowing across the plain, the plain is flooded. The flood waters form marshes, lakes, and pools.

A floodplain is rich with alluvium (silt) and sand. Many animal species live in floodplains, particularly birds.

Examples of floodplains include the Missouri River floodplain in America, the Inner Niger Delta in Mali, and the Ganges Delta in Bangladesh. 

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM