The Great Plain, the largest and most homogeneous region of Hungary, was formed in the Tertiary era of historical geography. It covers 52,000 km, accounting for almost half of Hungarys area. Its height above sea level does not reach 200 metres. It is largely composed of flatland with good-quality plough-lands. Through history, farmers have tried to secure its moving sandy parts with vineyards and fruit orchards. The moor lands and river flood plains can also be found in the Great Plain just as the loess lands and the alkaline grasslands.