platået

A plateau, in Norwegian platå and platået, is a broad area of relatively high elevation with a flat or gently inclined surface, bounded by steeper sides. Plateaus occur on all continents and range from a few hundred to several thousand meters above sea level. They form a distinct geomorphological class because of their elevated, level top compared with surrounding terrain.

Geologists describe several ways plateaus form. Tectonic uplift can raise large blocks of crust, which are then eroded to leave a high, flat surface. Volcanic activity creating extensive lava flows can also create plateaus with a flat top. Erosion of adjacent landscapes can isolate a raised block, producing plateau-like features such as mesas and steppe uplift. Some plateaus develop through a combination of uplift and planation.

Topography on plateaus is typically flat to undulating, with steep edges or cliffs along their margins. Climate and soils vary, with some plateaus supporting deserts and sparse vegetation, while others host temperate or alpine ecosystems. Plateaus influence regional climate by altering air flow and precipitation patterns and affect drainage, soil development, and land use.

Notable plateaus include the Tibetan Plateau in Asia, the Colorado Plateau in the southwestern United States, the Altiplano in the central Andes, the Deccan Plateau of India, and the Meseta Central in Spain. These regions illustrate the diversity of plateaus in size, altitude, and environment.

In geography and geology, studying plateaus helps explain crustal dynamics, erosion rates, and the distribution of soils and flora. Plateaus are also important for human activities, including agriculture, mining, and tourism, depending on their resources and accessibility.