Plateaus are the Second Order Relief on the earth’s surface. They come on the second place after the mountains. The condition of plateaus found in the world varies according to their origin, climatic conditions and stages of development. Plateaus are classified on these bases.
The classification of plateaus on the basis of their origin is described as follows:
1. Lava Plateau: Lava plateaus are slow accumulation of lava eruptions from old volcanic regions or formed by lava eruption from open cracks or craters. In this type of plateau, volcano originated by sudden processes of endogenetic forces contributes significantly. Based on the nature of lava as liquid or thick, the plateau can be more or less extensive as well as higher or lower. The plateau of Columbia and the Deccan plateau of South India are the main examples of this type of plateau.
2. Glacial Plateau: Plateaus which are formed as a result of erosion caused by the process of glacial movement in high latitude regions or high relief regions are called the Glacial Plateaus. In these plateaus, due to the dribble by erosion of rock ranges, flat structure is formed. Examples of this type of plateau are Plateau of Garhwal, Plateau of Labrador, Plateau of Scandinavia, Plateau of Alaska, South – Eastern Plateau of Greenland, Plateau of Canada, Prasha Plateau of Germany and Plateau of Antarctica.
3. Air – Made Plateau: Plateaus which are formed by the extreme deposition of soil particles carried by the wind are called the Air-Made Plateaus. These plateaus are formed by the sand accumulated in large amount due to the transportation and deposition by wind. This type of plateau includes Potwar Plateau in Pakistan, Loess Plateau in China, Plateau of Africa and North America.
4. Water – Made Plateau: Plateaus which are formed when the regular sea level is elevated up due to the internal movements of accumulated sediments in sea part or in geosycline, are called Water-Made Plateaus. The sediments accumulated at bottom of the sea are the result of force of erosion. These sediments are uplifted by the actions of endogenetic force due to which these plateaus come into existence. This type of plateau includes Vindhyachal Plateau of India, Plateau of Cherrapunji and Shaan Plateau in Myanmar.
