Tablelands

Tablelands is a geographic term used for elevated, flat-topped or gently level highlands that stand above surrounding terrain. The name is applied to various plateaus and mesas around the world, where erosion has left a relatively level surface on top of more resistant rock. In some regions the term refers to a formally recognized area or subregion, while in others it is a descriptive label for a landscape type.

Geomorphology and formation vary by location. Tablelands commonly form through a combination of tectonic uplift and long-term erosion that preserves a flat summit on resistant rock layers. In volcanic regions, lava flows can create broad plateaus that later erode into tablelike surfaces. The topography often features steep sides or escarpments that frame the high, broad surface, and soils can range from fertile to highly acidic and nutrient-poor, depending on rock type and weathering processes.

Notable examples include the Atherton Tableland in Queensland, Australia, a fertile uplifted plateau known for its tropical biodiversity, waterfalls, and agricultural areas. Another prominent example is the Tablelands in Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, where exposed mantle rocks provide a stark, orange-brown landscape and offer important geological insight into plate tectonics and ophiolite complexes. Additional regions worldwide have local names or informal references to tablelands or tablelands-like highlands, reflecting similar flat-topped forms rather than identical geology.

Ecology and land use on tablelands are diverse. Some are densely populated or farmed, while others host unique ecosystems adapted to specific soils and climate. The term “tableland” thus captures a common landform category rather than a single uniform geological unit.