What is a Plateau?
- A plateau is a flat, elevated landform that rises sharply above the surrounding area on at least one side.
- It is also called a tableland due to its flat top.
- Plateaus cover about 45% of the Earth’s surface.
Formation of Plateaus
Plateaus are formed by various geological processes:
- Volcanic Activity – Lava flows create plateaus (e.g., Deccan Plateau, Columbia Plateau).
- Tectonic Movements – Uplift of Earth’s crust forms plateaus (e.g., Tibetan Plateau).
- Erosion – Continuous erosion removes soft layers, leaving a plateau (e.g., Colorado Plateau).
Types of Plateaus
1. Intermontane Plateaus
- Surrounded by mountains on all sides.
- Formed by tectonic uplift.
- Examples:
✅ Tibetan Plateau (China & India) – Highest and largest plateau in the world.
✅ Columbia Plateau (USA) – Formed by lava flows.
2. Piedmont Plateaus
- Located at the foothills of mountains, between highlands and lowlands.
- Examples:
✅ Appalachian Plateau (USA) – Near the Appalachian Mountains.
✅ Patagonian Plateau (Argentina).
3. Volcanic Plateaus
- Formed by repeated lava flows, making the land rich in minerals.
- Examples:
✅ Deccan Plateau (India) – Formed by basaltic lava.
✅ Columbia Plateau (USA).
4. Dissected Plateaus
- Eroded by rivers and wind, creating deep valleys and gorges.
- Examples:
✅ Colorado Plateau (USA) – Grand Canyon is located here.
✅ Chotanagpur Plateau (India) – Rich in minerals.
5. Continental Plateaus
- Formed by large-scale uplift of landmasses.
- Examples:
✅ African Plateau – Covers large parts of Africa.
✅ Brazilian Plateau – Rich in minerals.
Importance of Plateaus
✅ Rich in Minerals – Coal, iron, gold, and diamond deposits are found in plateaus (e.g., Chotanagpur Plateau).
✅ Agriculture – Fertile soil from volcanic plateaus supports farming (e.g., Deccan Plateau).
✅ Forests & Biodiversity – Home to dense forests (e.g., Western Ghats).
✅ Tourism – Scenic landscapes attract tourists (e.g., Grand Canyon, Tibet).
✅ Source of Rivers – Many rivers originate from plateaus.
MCQs on Plateaus
1. Which is the highest plateau in the world?
a) Deccan Plateau
b) Tibetan Plateau
c) Chotanagpur Plateau
d) Columbia Plateau
Answer: b) Tibetan Plateau
2. Which type of plateau is formed by lava flows?
a) Intermontane Plateau
b) Piedmont Plateau
c) Volcanic Plateau
d) Dissected Plateau
Answer: c) Volcanic Plateau
3. The Deccan Plateau is rich in which mineral?
a) Gold
b) Coal
c) Iron ore
d) Basalt
Answer: d) Basalt
4. The Grand Canyon is located in which plateau?
a) Deccan Plateau
b) Columbia Plateau
c) Tibetan Plateau
d) Colorado Plateau
Answer: d) Colorado Plateau
5. Which plateau is known as the “Roof of the World”?
a) Deccan Plateau
b) Patagonian Plateau
c) Tibetan Plateau
d) Chotanagpur Plateau
Answer: c) Tibetan Plateau
6. The Chotanagpur Plateau is famous for which natural resource?
a) Oil
b) Diamonds
c) Coal and Iron ore
d) Gold
Answer: c) Coal and Iron ore
7. The Brazilian Plateau is located in which continent?
a) Asia
b) South America
c) Africa
d) Europe
Answer: b) South America
Short Answer Questions
1. What is a plateau?
A plateau is an elevated flat landform with steep sides, formed by volcanic activity, tectonic uplift, or erosion.
2. What are the different types of plateaus?
- Intermontane Plateau – Surrounded by mountains (e.g., Tibetan Plateau).
- Piedmont Plateau – At the base of mountains (e.g., Appalachian Plateau).
- Volcanic Plateau – Formed by lava flows (e.g., Deccan Plateau).
- Dissected Plateau – Eroded by rivers and wind (e.g., Colorado Plateau).
- Continental Plateau – Large uplifted landmass (e.g., African Plateau).
3. Why are plateaus important for humans?
Plateaus provide minerals, fertile soil for farming, forests for biodiversity, river sources, and tourism opportunities.
4. How was the Deccan Plateau formed?
The Deccan Plateau was formed by basaltic lava flows from volcanic eruptions millions of years ago.
5. What is the difference between a mountain and a plateau?
- Mountain – High elevation with peaks and steep slopes.
- Plateau – High elevation with a flat top and steep sides.
Conclusion
Plateaus are important landforms with economic, agricultural, and environmental significance. Their formation, types, and resources make them a key topic in geography and competitive exams.
Would you like additional diagrams or explanations? 😊