Planum facts for kids

A plateau is a large area of flat land that is much higher than the land around it. Think of it like a giant, flat-topped table standing high above the ground. Plateaus can be found on every continent and cover about one-third of the Earth's land surface. They are sometimes called "high plains" or "tablelands."

Plateaus often have steep sides, called escarpments, where the land drops sharply to lower elevations. The top surface of a plateau can be very flat or slightly hilly.

What is a Plateau?

A plateau is a raised area of land with a flat top. It stands significantly above the surrounding land. The sides of a plateau are usually very steep. These landforms can be very large, sometimes covering thousands of square kilometers. Plateaus are important because they can influence climate, rivers, and even where people live.

How Do Plateaus Form?

Plateaus are created by different natural processes over millions of years. The main ways they form involve movements of the Earth's crust, volcanic activity, or erosion.

Volcanic Plateaus

Some plateaus are formed by volcanoes. When volcanoes erupt, they can release huge amounts of lava. This lava flows out and spreads over large areas. As the lava cools and hardens, it builds up layer after layer. Over a long time, these layers of hardened lava create a high, flat surface. The Columbia Plateau in the United States is a good example of a volcanic plateau.

Erosional Plateaus

Erosion can also create plateaus. This happens when softer rock layers are worn away by wind, water, or ice. Harder rock layers that are more resistant to erosion remain. If these harder layers are flat and elevated, they can form a plateau. Over time, rivers can cut deep valleys into plateaus, creating what are called "dissected plateaus."

Tectonic Plateaus

Many large plateaus are formed by the movement of Earth's tectonic plates. When two continental plates collide, they can push up large sections of land. This process, called uplift, can raise vast areas to great heights, forming high plateaus. The Tibetan Plateau is the largest and highest plateau in the world, formed by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates.

Types of Plateaus

Plateaus can be classified based on how they formed or their location.

Dissected Plateaus

A dissected plateau is one that has been heavily eroded by rivers and streams. These rivers cut deep valleys and canyons into the plateau's surface. This makes the once-flat top look rugged and broken up. The Appalachian Plateau in the eastern United States is a dissected plateau.

Intermontane Plateaus

Intermontane plateaus are found between mountain ranges. The word "intermontane" means "between mountains." These plateaus are often formed by the same tectonic forces that created the surrounding mountains. The Tibetan Plateau is a prime example of an intermontane plateau, surrounded by the Himalayas and other mountain ranges.

Continental Plateaus

Continental plateaus are large, flat areas that rise sharply from the surrounding lowlands or seas. They are not necessarily surrounded by mountains. These plateaus are often very old and stable parts of continents. The Deccan Plateau in India is a well-known continental plateau.

Famous Plateaus Around the World

Many famous and important plateaus exist across the globe.

Tibetan Plateau

The Tibetan Plateau is often called the "Roof of the World." It is the highest and largest plateau on Earth. It covers a vast area of Central Asia. This plateau has an average elevation of over 4,500 meters (14,800 feet) above sea level. It is surrounded by towering mountain ranges, including the Himalayas. The Tibetan Plateau is very important for the climate of Asia. Many major rivers, like the Yangtze and Mekong, begin there.

Deccan Plateau

The Deccan Plateau is a large plateau in India. It covers most of the southern part of the country. It is known for its rich volcanic soils, which are good for farming. The plateau has a varied landscape with hills, rivers, and forests.

Colorado Plateau

The Colorado Plateau is located in the southwestern United States. It is famous for its stunning canyons and unique rock formations. The Grand Canyon is part of the Colorado Plateau. This plateau was uplifted by tectonic forces and then carved by the Colorado River and its tributaries.

Atacama Plateau

The Atacama Plateau, also known as the Altiplano, is a high plateau in the Andes Mountains of South America. It is one of the highest inhabited regions in the world, with an average elevation of about 3,750 meters (12,300 feet). The plateau is very dry in some parts, including the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth. It is also home to many unique plants and animals. The clear skies and high altitude make it an excellent location for observatories, like the ALMA telescope.

Images for kids

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  Satellite image of the Tibetan Plateau between the Himalayan mountains to the south and the Taklamakan Desert to the north.

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  Road to the ALMA’s Operations Support Facility and then on further to the Chajnantor Plateau at 5000 meters above sea level.

See also

In Spanish: Meseta para niños