Theory question 207
Earth Movements and Vulcanicity(a) What is a plateau? (b) Describe the mode of formation of: (i) Tectonic plateaux (ii) Dissected plateaux. (c) Outline three ways in which plateaux are important to man.
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(a) A plateau is an extensive area of upland with a fairly flat or gently undulating top and at least one steep side, rising well above the surrounding land.
(b)(i) Tectonic plateaux: formed by earth movements; land is uplifted by compressional or vertical forces, or is enclosed by fold mountains (intermont plateaux such as Tibet), or rises between faults; e.g. East African plateau, Deccan (uplift), Tibet.
(ii) Dissected plateaux: an old plateau is cut up by rivers and glaciers through vertical erosion and weathering; deep valleys separate flat-topped remnants, giving a rugged surface, e.g. Jos Plateau edges, Scottish Highlands.
(c) Rich in minerals (tin on Jos Plateau, gold in South Africa); cool climate good for settlement, tourism and livestock (Jos, Mambilla); good grazing lands; sites for HEP from rivers falling off the edges; sources of rivers; farming of temperate crops.
Distinguish uplift (tectonic) from erosion (dissected).