Steppe

step, an old world term corresponding in a measure to the prairies of North America and the pampas of South America. A vast tract extending eastward from southeastern Russia is known as the steppe region. It is to be distinguished from forest, mountain, desert, and tundra. A steppe is a fairly level, treeless plain,more or less covered with rich grasses, and affording pasturage for flocks in early summer. Southwestern Siberia, between the parallels of 50 deg. and 55 deg. and as far as the Obi, is an extensive steppe. Similar steppes are found east of the Altai Mountains and in the great river valleys of eastern Tibet. The steppes pass insensibly into deserts. They are inhabited by nomadic people who move their tents and flocks with the season. Summer drouth is so general that agriculture is practiced only in irrigated districts. The total steppe or semi-arid area of the world is estimated at 13,901,000 square miles. See Mongolians; Cossacks; Rain; Desert