Plateaus

A plateau is a large, flat area of land that is higher than the land around it. Think of it like a table with a flat top. Plateaus are found on every continent. Some are very high, while others are only a little above the surrounding land.

How Plateaus Form

Plateaus can form in different ways. Some are pushed up by forces deep inside the Earth. Others are made when lava from volcanoes spreads out and hardens into flat layers. Over time, wind and water shape the edges of plateaus.

Plateaus Around the World

The Tibetan Plateau in Asia is the highest plateau on Earth. It is called the Roof of the World. The Colorado Plateau in the United States has many beautiful canyons and mesas. The Deccan Plateau covers a large part of India.

Fun Facts

• The Tibetan Plateau is about 15,000 feet above sea level.
• About half of Africa is covered by plateaus.
• Some plateaus are so high that it is hard for people to breathe on them.

Did You Know?

The Tibetan Plateau is so big that it affects weather patterns all around the world!