Plateaus

A plateau is a raised area of flat or gently rolling land, often found at high elevations. It is different from a mountain because it has a flat top and is usually wider than it is tall. Plateaus can be found on every continent and vary in size from small to very large.

Formation of Plateaus

Plateaus are formed by the forces of tectonic activity, erosion, and volcanic activity. They can be created by the uplift of the Earth's crust, the eruption of lava that cools and hardens, or the erosion of mountains and other high areas.

Types of Plateaus

There are three main types of plateaus: dissected plateaus, volcanic plateaus, and tectonic plateaus. Dissected plateaus are formed by the erosion of elevated land, volcanic plateaus are formed by volcanic activity, and tectonic plateaus are formed by the movement of the Earth's crust.

Importance of Plateaus

Plateaus are important for several reasons. They often contain valuable minerals and metals, provide fertile land for agriculture, and are sources of water for rivers and streams.

Study Guide

1. What is a plateau?
2. How are plateaus formed?
3. What are the three main types of plateaus?
4. Why are plateaus important?

Now that you have learned about plateaus, you can use this study guide to test your knowledge and review the key concepts.

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