Teslin Plateau facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Teslin Plateau |
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Teslin Plateau from Teslin Lake
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 Location in British Columbia
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| Location | British Columbia and Yukon |
| Coordinates | 59°40′00″N 132°55′00″W / 59.66667°N 132.91667°W |
| Part of | Yukon Plateau |
The Teslin Plateau is a special kind of landform called a plateau. Think of it like a very large, flat table of land that sits higher than the areas around it. This plateau is part of an even bigger area called the Yukon Plateau. You can find the Teslin Plateau in the northern parts of British Columbia, Canada. It is located north of the Nakina River, between two large lakes: Atlin Lake and Teslin Lake.
Contents
What is a Plateau?
A plateau is a large area of land that is mostly flat but is much higher than the land around it. They are sometimes called "tablelands" because their flat tops look like the top of a table. Plateaus can be formed in different ways, often by volcanoes or by the slow movement of the Earth's crust.
How Plateaus Form
- Volcanic Activity: Some plateaus are made when lava flows out of volcanoes and spreads over a large area, then cools and hardens. Over a long time, many layers of lava can build up to form a high, flat surface.
- Erosion: Other plateaus are formed when softer rocks around a harder rock area wear away, leaving the tougher, higher rock standing tall.
- Uplift: Sometimes, the Earth's crust pushes up a large section of land, creating a plateau. This process is very slow and happens over millions of years.
Where is the Teslin Plateau Located?
The Teslin Plateau is in a beautiful, wild part of Canada. It stretches across the northern part of British Columbia and also reaches into the Yukon territory.
Nearby Lakes and Rivers
- Teslin Lake: This large, long lake is to the east of the plateau. It's a popular spot for fishing and boating.
- Atlin Lake: To the west of the plateau is Atlin Lake, which is the largest natural lake in British Columbia.
- Nakina River: This river flows south of the plateau, helping to define its southern edge.
These lakes and rivers are important for the local environment and the animals that live there.
Nature and Wildlife
The Teslin Plateau is part of a vast wilderness area. Because of its location in northern Canada, it has a subarctic climate. This means it has long, cold winters and short, cool summers.
Plants and Trees
The landscape of the Teslin Plateau is covered mostly by boreal forest. You would see many conifer trees like spruce and pine. There are also areas of tundra where the ground is frozen for most of the year, and only small plants, mosses, and lichens can grow.
Animals of the Plateau
Many different animals call the Teslin Plateau home.
- Mammals: You might find large animals like moose, caribou, and grizzly bears. Smaller animals such as beavers, foxes, and snowshoe hares also live here.
- Birds: Many types of birds, including eagles, owls, and various waterfowl, can be seen, especially around the lakes and rivers.
The Teslin Plateau is an important natural area, providing habitat for a wide range of wildlife.
