The West Siberian Plain is a vast lowland region located in northern Asia, predominantly within the Russian Federation. It encompasses an area of approximately 2.6 million square kilometers, making it one of the largest plain regions on Earth. The plain stretches from the Ural Mountains in the west to the Yenisei River in the east, and from the Arctic Ocean in the north to the Kazakhstan border in the south.
Characterized by its relatively flat and featureless landscape, the West Siberian Plain has an average elevation of around 30 meters above sea level. It is primarily composed of sedimentary deposits left by ancient glacial movements and river activities. The region is crisscrossed by numerous rivers, the most notable being the Ob, Irtysh, and Yenisei, which play a crucial role in the drainage system of the plain.
The West Siberian Plain experiences a severe subarctic climate characterized by long, bitterly cold winters and short, cool summers. The plain is covered by extensive taiga forests, consisting mainly of coniferous trees like spruce, pine, and larch, which endure the harsh climate.
Due to its vast size and fertile soil, the West Siberian Plain is an important agricultural region, especially for the cultivation of cereals such as wheat and barley. It is also rich in natural resources, including vast deposits of oil and natural gas, which are crucial to Russia's economy.
The West Siberian Plain is home to a relatively sparse population, concentrated in a few major cities such as Novosibirsk, Omsk, and Tyumen. The majority of the population is involved in agriculture and resource extraction industries.
