Elevated land that is relatively flat on top stands above the surrounding country. A plateau is that high plain, often bounded by steep slopes or cliffs. Plateaus form through uplift of large crustal blocks, volcanic accumulation, or differential erosion.

The Tibetan Plateau, the Colorado Plateau, and the Deccan Plateau illustrate the variety of sizes and origins. Rivers cutting into plateaus create deep canyons. Climates on plateaus are often cooler than lowlands at the same latitude because of elevation.

Plateaus can present barriers to transportation yet also offer resources such as minerals and grazing land. Their abrupt edges produce dramatic scenery. Geologists read the rock layers exposed in plateau cliffs to reconstruct regional geologic history.

• Elevated flat or gently undulating landform
• Bounded by steeper slopes
• Formed by uplift, volcanism, or erosion
• Often dissected by canyons