We could separate this region into developed nations (such as north west America, eastern Asia , and wester europe) and non-developed nations (such as most region in africa, some regions in middle east and some region in eastern europe)
The consumption of food, water and energy in developed nations is clearly in abundance. If you go to any trash can in developed nations, you will see many residual food that people would throw simply because they do not want it anymore. In non-developed nations on the other hand, most people would be desperate to obtain all of those things. Even the food that being thrown out by people in developed nation will be a luxury for them.
Groundwater is below the surface, and using the process of elimination, you will be left with the first choice, carves landscapes from BELOW the surface.
