Theory question 204
Earth Movements and Vulcanicity(a) What is a plateau? (b) List two types of plateaux. (c) Describe the formation of any one type of plateau listed in (b) above. (d) Highlight three ways in which plateaux are of importance to man.
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(a) A large, high area of fairly flat land rising steeply above the surrounding land on at least one side (tableland).
(b) Tectonic/intermontane plateau (e.g. Tibet), volcanic/lava plateau (e.g. Deccan, Jos partly), dissected plateau, continental plateau (e.g. African plateau), piedmont plateau, erosion plateau.
(c) Lava plateau: fissure eruptions pour out runny basic lava over a wide area; layers build up one on another and cool into a high flat surface. Or tectonic: earth movements uplift a large block or land enclosed by fold mountains is raised.
(d) Minerals (tin on Jos Plateau, gold); cool climate good for settlement, tourism and some crops/dairy; grazing; source of rivers and HEP sites (waterfalls); forestry; defence.
Describe the steps of formation in order.