B.4. Plateaus Of The World
A plateau is a piece of land with a flat top. Every continent has plateaus, which occupy one-third of the surface of Earth. Together with hills, mountains, and plains, they make up one of the four main types of land. Like mountains, plateaus can be young or old. One of the oldest plateaus is in India’s Deccan region.
Plateaus are very useful because they are rich in mineral deposits. As a result, many of the mining areas in the world are located in the plateau areas. Important topics that can be included under this tag are as follows.
- Economic Significance of Plateaus
- Formation of Plateaus
- Types of Plateaus like dissected, volcanic, etc.
- Major Plateaus of the world include the Tibetan Plateaus, Colorado Plateaus, Deccan Plateau, Laurentian Plateau, etc.
Must know (World Geography)
Tibetan Plateau (Qinghai-Tibet Plateau) |
Located in Central Asia, the Tibetan Plateau is often referred to as the “Roof of the World.” It spans the Qinghai-Tibet region of China, parts of India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Pakistan. It is the world’s highest and largest plateau, with an average elevation of over 4,500 meters (14,800 feet). |
Colorado Plateau |
Located in the southwestern United States, the Colorado Plateau encompasses parts of Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico. It is renowned for its stunning canyons, including the Grand Canyon, and unique geological formations. |
Plateau of Patagonia |
Situated in southern Argentina and Chile, the Patagonian Plateau is a vast plateau region known for its windswept landscapes, glaciers, and pristine wilderness areas. |
Ethiopian Plateau |
Found in East Africa, the Ethiopian Plateau covers much of Ethiopia and extends into Eritrea, Somalia, and Sudan. It is characterized by high elevations, rugged terrain, and deep valleys. |
Laurentian Plateau |
Also known as the Canadian Shield, this plateau covers a significant portion of eastern and central Canada, including parts of Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, and the northern United States. It is a cradle of ancient rock formations and contains numerous lakes and forests. |
Brazilian Highlands |
Situated in eastern South America, the Brazilian Highlands cover much of Brazil and extend into parts of neighboring countries like Argentina and Venezuela. They feature rolling hills and plateaus, including the Brazilian Plateau. |
Central Siberian Plateau |
Located in northern Asia, this vast plateau covers parts of Russia, including the Siberian regions of Krasnoyarsk, Irkutsk, and Sakha (Yakutia). It is known for its cold, remote, and sparsely populated landscapes. |
Mexican Plateau |
Situated in Mexico, the Mexican Plateau, or the Mexican Altiplano, is a high plateau region that includes Mexico City and its surroundings. It is surrounded by mountain ranges, including the Sierra Madre Occidental and Sierra Madre Oriental. |
Must know (Indian Geography)
Deccan Plateau |
Located in southern India, it is a large plateau, rich in minerals and known for its unique topography and biodiversity. |
Malwa Plateau |
Situated in west-central India, it is known for its rich black soil suitable for cultivating cotton. |