A plateau is a large, extensive uplifted part of the earth's crust which is almost flat at the top. The top of the plateau is mostly a plain. Plateaus were formed during the Mesozoic and Jurassic eras due to uplifting of the earth's crust.
What it looks like
A plateau has steep, cliff-like sides and a wide, flat top — like a table raised high above the surrounding land.
How big?
Plateaus are large and extensive — they can cover thousands of square kilometres, much larger than a hill or mountain top.
When formed?
Plateaus were formed during the Mesozoic Era (252–66 million years ago) and Jurassic Era (201–145 million years ago).
Key feature
High plateaus in tropical latitudes have cooler and more comfortable climates, making them ideal for agriculture and human settlement.
🔑 Key Terms
Pushed up from below by forces inside the earth
The hard outer layer of the earth where we live
A flat, level area of land
Areas near the equator, like East Africa and Brazil
Click on a plateau to learn more about it.
One of the world's most important plateaus, home to famous game parks, highland farms, and millions of people.
🌿 Agriculture 🏡 Settlement 🦁 WildlifeOne of the largest plateaus in the world, covering most of Brazil, with rich mineral resources and rainforest edges.
⛏️ Mining 🌳 Rainforest 🌾 FarmingKnown as the "Roof of the World," the highest plateau on earth with an average elevation of 4,500 metres.
🏔️ Highest plateau ❄️ Cold climateFamous for the Grand Canyon carved through it. Covers about 337,000 km² across four US states.
🏜️ Grand Canyon 🪨 Red rockHigh plateaus, especially in tropical latitudes, are very valuable to people. Here are the main ways plateaus are used:
Agriculture (Farming)
The cool climate and flat land of high tropical plateaus makes them ideal for growing crops. In East Africa, tea, coffee, wheat and pyrethrum grow on plateau areas of Kenya and Tanzania.
Human Settlement
Many people prefer to live on high plateaus because the climate is cooler and healthier than in the hot lowlands. Cities like Nairobi and Addis Ababa are on plateaus.
Favourable Climate
Plateaus in tropical areas receive good rainfall and have moderate temperatures. This makes them pleasant to live in and work on compared to hot coastal or desert areas.
Livestock Grazing
The grasslands (savannahs) on plateau surfaces are used for cattle, sheep and goat grazing. The East African plateau supports large herds of livestock and also wildlife like wildebeest and zebra.
Mining
Plateaus often contain valuable minerals. The Brazilian Plateau is rich in iron ore, manganese, gold and diamonds. Mining provides income and employment.