The northern plain has been formed by the interplay of the three major river systems, namely– the Indus, the Ganga and the Brahmaputra along with their tributaries.

 

This plain is formed of alluvial soil.

 

The deposition of alluvium in a vast basin lying at the foothills of the Himalaya over millions of years, formed this fertile plain.

 

It spreads over an area of 7 lakh sq. km.

 

The plain being about 2400 Km long and 240 to 320 Km broad, is a densely populated physiographic division.

 

The largest part of the northern plain is formed of older alluvium.

 

They lie above the flood plains of the rivers and present a terrace like feature.

 

This part is known as bhangar.

 

The soil in this region contains calcareous deposits locally known as kankar.

 

The newer, younger deposits of the flood plains are called khadar.

 

 

They are renewed almost every year and so are fertile, thus, ideal for intensive agriculture.