What is a plateau?
Quick Answer
A plateau is a broad area of high land with a mostly flat top. It rises sharply above surrounding land and can be formed by uplift, lava, or erosion.
The Full Story
A plateau is an elevated landform that has a relatively flat or gently rolling surface. Plateaus can form when tectonic forces uplift large areas of crust, when lava flows build up layers, or when erosion leaves a high surface behind. They are found on every continent and can range from small local uplands to massive regions such as the Tibetan Plateau. Because they sit at higher elevations, plateaus often influence local climate, rivers, and settlement patterns. Some of the world’s largest populations live on or near plateaus.
Key Facts
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Suggested video title for this topic:
"The flat-topped mountains of the Earth’s surface"