A plateauis a flat area of land that is elevated above sea level. The word is French for 'table land,' and that term is also used for some smaller landforms that will be discussed further into this lesson. Plateaus aren't all perfectly flat, but they do havelow relief; relief means the elevation change across an area.

Given the rather straightforward definition, you may be surprised to learn that there are a lot of different kinds of plateaus. Plateaus are classified based on how they form and where they are found. Most plateaus are found in areas of tectonic uplift, which is often, but not always, associated with mountain ranges. But, they can form in other ways, as well.

they are importantBecausePlateausare useful because of the presence and easier way of ex- tracting minerals and favouring generation of hydro-power. Their suitable climate and sometimes fertile soils are helpful for develop- ing animal-rearing and agriculture. Plains are the mostimportantlandforms found on the earth's surface