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Study Guide: Geomorphology of Plateaus: Formation, Classification, and Global Examples

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Geomorphology of Plateaus: Formation, Classification, and Global Examples Study Guide

Plateau Fundamentals: Definition and Characteristics

A plateau is geologically defined as a low-lying area with relatively flat terrain significantly elevated above the surrounding land.

Answer: False

Explanation: The definition provided states that a plateau is an area of highland characterized by relatively flat terrain, sharply elevated above the surrounding land, not a low-lying area.

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Plateaus are exclusively referred to as high plains and are never designated as tablelands.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source material indicates that plateaus can also be referred to as high plains or tablelands.

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The edges of plateaus are typically characterized by gentle slopes and gradual transitions to lower elevations.

Answer: False

Explanation: Plateau edges are often characterized by steep slopes, escarpments, and deep valleys, rather than gentle transitions.

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The plural forms of 'plateau' mentioned in the text are 'plateaus' and 'plateaux'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The text explicitly states that the plural forms of plateau are 'plateaus' and 'plateaux'.

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Based on the provided material, which of the following best defines a plateau?

Answer: An area of highland with relatively flat terrain, elevated above the surrounding land on at least one side.

Explanation: The source material defines a plateau as an area of highland with relatively flat terrain, significantly elevated above the surrounding land on at least one side, also known as a high plain or tableland.

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What are the two plural forms of the word 'plateau' mentioned in the text?

Answer: Plateaus and Plateaux

Explanation: The text explicitly states that the two plural forms of 'plateau' are 'plateaus' and 'plateaux'.

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Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a characteristic feature of the edges of a plateau?

Answer: Gentle, rolling hills

Explanation: The text describes plateau edges as typically featuring steep slopes and escarpments, not gentle, rolling hills.

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Plateau Formation Mechanisms

The formation of plateaus can involve volcanic activity, tectonic movements, and erosion by water or glaciers.

Answer: True

Explanation: The text explicitly lists volcanic activity, tectonic plate movements, and erosion (by water and glaciers) as primary processes responsible for plateau formation.

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Volcanic plateaus are formed solely by the upwelling of magma causing ground swelling.

Answer: False

Explanation: Volcanic activity can form plateaus through magma upwelling causing ground swelling or through the extrusion of lava, which builds up layers.

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Tectonic plate movements primarily lead to the subsidence of large landmasses, forming plateaus.

Answer: False

Explanation: Tectonic plate movements primarily lead to the significant uplift of large landmasses, resulting in the formation of tectonic plateaus.

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Glacial erosion can contribute to plateau formation by wearing down elevated regions into flat surfaces.

Answer: True

Explanation: Glacial erosion is identified as a process that can wear down mountain ranges, leaving behind elevated, flat areas that constitute plateaus.

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The formation of plateaus is primarily categorized into two main processes: uplift and subsidence.

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary formation processes mentioned are volcanic activity, tectonic movements (including uplift), and erosion. Subsidence is not listed as a primary formation mechanism.

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Which geological processes are mentioned in the text as being responsible for the formation of plateaus?

Answer: Volcanic activity, tectonic plate movements, and erosion.

Explanation: The text identifies volcanic activity, tectonic plate movements, and erosion (by water and glaciers) as the primary geological processes involved in plateau formation.

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How can volcanic activity contribute to the formation of a plateau?

Answer: By magma upwelling causing ground swelling or lava extrusion building layers.

Explanation: Volcanic activity forms plateaus either through magma upwelling that causes ground swelling or through the extrusion of lava that builds up layered deposits.

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What is the primary mechanism by which tectonic plate movements form plateaus, according to the source?

Answer: The significant uplift of large landmasses.

Explanation: Tectonic plate movements form plateaus primarily through the significant uplift of large landmasses, creating extensive, elevated areas with relatively uniform altitudes.

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Plateau Classification Systems

A dissected plateau is characterized by extensive, flat surfaces with minimal river valleys.

Answer: False

Explanation: A dissected plateau is defined by being significantly eroded by rivers, resulting in the land being cut by deep, narrow valleys, not extensive flat surfaces with minimal valleys.

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The Scottish Highlands are given as an example of a plateau formed primarily by volcanic activity.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Scottish Highlands are provided as an example of a dissected plateau, formed by erosion, not primarily by volcanic activity.

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Plateaus are classified into four main types based on their surrounding environment: intermontane, piedmont, continental, and volcanic.

Answer: False

Explanation: The text classifies plateaus based on their surrounding environment into three main types: intermontane, piedmont, and continental. Volcanic is a classification by formation process.

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Intermontane plateaus are typically found between fold mountains and are often very high and extensive.

Answer: True

Explanation: Intermontane plateaus are characterized by being enclosed by fold mountains and are often among the highest and most extensive globally.

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A piedmont plateau is bordered by mountains on one side and a plain or sea on the other.

Answer: True

Explanation: The definition of a piedmont plateau is one that is bordered by mountains on one side and a plain or sea on the other.

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The Piedmont Plateau in the Eastern United States is an example of a continental plateau.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Piedmont Plateau in the Eastern United States is cited as an example of a piedmont plateau, not a continental plateau.

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Continental plateaus are typically found adjacent to major mountain ranges on all sides.

Answer: False

Explanation: Continental plateaus are characterized by being bordered on all sides by plains or oceans, typically forming away from mountain ranges.

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Intermontane plateaus are characterized by being bordered by mountains on one side and plains or oceans on the other.

Answer: False

Explanation: Intermontane plateaus are enclosed by mountains on all sides. Plateaus bordered by mountains on one side and plains/oceans on the other are classified as piedmont plateaus.

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Which of the following is cited in the text as an example of a plateau formed by lava extrusion?

Answer: The Columbia Plateau

Explanation: The Columbia Plateau is listed as an example of a plateau formed by lava extrusion.

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What defines a "dissected plateau" according to the provided text?

Answer: A plateau that has been significantly eroded by rivers, creating deep valleys.

Explanation: A dissected plateau is characterized by significant erosion from rivers, resulting in the formation of deep, narrow valleys across its surface.

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Based on their surrounding environment, how are plateaus primarily classified in the text?

Answer: Intermontane, Piedmont, Continental

Explanation: The text classifies plateaus based on their surrounding environment into three main types: intermontane, piedmont, and continental.

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Which type of plateau is described as being enclosed by fold mountains?

Answer: Intermontane plateau

Explanation: Intermontane plateaus are defined as those situated within and enclosed by fold mountains.

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What defines a piedmont plateau according to the source?

Answer: A plateau located at the foot of mountains, bordered by mountains on one side and a plain or sea on the other.

Explanation: A piedmont plateau is defined by its location at the foot of mountains, with one side adjacent to mountains and the other bordering a plain or sea.

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The Pajarito Plateau in New Mexico is presented as an example of what type of plateau?

Answer: Volcanic

Explanation: The Pajarito Plateau in New Mexico is presented as an example of a volcanic plateau.

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Key Global Plateaus: Asia and Europe

The Deccan Plateau in India is cited as an example of a plateau formed by lava extrusion.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Deccan Plateau in India is explicitly mentioned as an example of a plateau formed by lava extrusion.

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The Meseta Central on the Iberian Peninsula is an example of a plateau formed by erosion.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Meseta Central on the Iberian Peninsula is cited as an example of a tectonic plateau, not one formed primarily by erosion.

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The Tibetan Plateau is the largest and highest plateau globally, formed by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Tibetan Plateau is recognized as the largest and highest plateau globally, formed by the collision of the Indo-Australian and Eurasian tectonic plates.

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The immense height of the Tibetan Plateau influences the monsoons of South Asia to move northward.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Tibetan Plateau's elevation influences the monsoons of South Asia to move towards the south and also affects Hadley cell convection cycles.

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The Deosai Plains in Pakistan are recognized as the highest plateaus in the world.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Deosai Plains in Pakistan are recognized as the second highest plateaus in the world, not the highest.

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The Meseta Central on the Iberian Peninsula is given as an example of which type of plateau formation?

Answer: Tectonic plateau

Explanation: The Meseta Central on the Iberian Peninsula is cited as an example of a tectonic plateau, formed by tectonic plate movements.

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The Tibetan Plateau and the Altiplano are given as examples of which classification of plateau?

Answer: Intermontane

Explanation: Both the Tibetan Plateau and the Altiplano are cited as examples of intermontane plateaus, being enclosed by fold mountains.

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Why is the Tibetan Plateau considered the largest and highest plateau in the world?

Answer: It covers approximately 2,500,000 square kilometers at an average elevation of about 5,000 meters.

Explanation: The Tibetan Plateau is the largest and highest globally due to its extensive area of approximately 2,500,000 km² and an average elevation of about 5,000 meters.

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How does the immense height of the Tibetan Plateau influence atmospheric patterns?

Answer: It drives the monsoons of South Asia towards the south and influences Hadley cell convection.

Explanation: The significant elevation of the Tibetan Plateau influences atmospheric patterns by reversing Hadley cell convection cycles and driving the monsoons of South Asia southward.

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The Deccan Plateau is located in which country?

Answer: India

Explanation: The Deccan Plateau is located in India.

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Key Global Plateaus: The Americas

The Altiplano in the Andes Mountains is an example of a piedmont plateau.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Altiplano is described as an intermontane plateau, situated within the Andes Mountains, not a piedmont plateau.

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The Colorado Plateau spans across parts of Arizona, Utah, Nevada, and California.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Colorado Plateau spans across parts of Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. Nevada and California are not listed as primary states.

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The Grand Canyon was formed as the Colorado Plateau gradually sank over millions of years.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Grand Canyon was formed by the Colorado River's erosion as the Colorado Plateau gradually rose (uplifted), not sank.

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The Mexican Plateau is notable for having a very low population density.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Mexican Plateau is notable for being home to over 70 million people, indicating a significant population density, not a very low one.

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The Altiplano, meaning 'low plain' in Spanish, is located in west-central South America.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Altiplano translates to 'high plain' in Spanish. It is located in west-central South America.

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La Paz, the administrative capital of Bolivia, is situated on the Altiplano.

Answer: True

Explanation: La Paz, the administrative capital of Bolivia, is indeed situated on the Altiplano.

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The Altiplano Cundiboyacense in Colombia is comparable in size to France and contains the city of Medellin.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Altiplano Cundiboyacense in Colombia is comparable in size to Switzerland, not France, and contains the city of Bogota, not Medellin.

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The Grand Canyon's formation involved a balance between the Colorado River's erosion and the Colorado Plateau's subsidence.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Grand Canyon's formation involved a balance between the Colorado River's erosion and the Colorado Plateau's uplift, not subsidence.

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The Grand Canyon's formation is attributed to a balance between which two factors?

Answer: Tectonic uplift of the plateau and the Colorado River's erosion.

Explanation: The formation of the Grand Canyon resulted from the interplay between the tectonic uplift of the Colorado Plateau and the erosive power of the Colorado River.

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What is a notable characteristic of the Mexican Plateau regarding its population?

Answer: It is home to over 70 million people.

Explanation: The Mexican Plateau is notable for its substantial population, hosting over 70 million inhabitants.

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Where is the Altiplano located geographically?

Answer: West-central South America, where the Andes Mountains are widest.

Explanation: The Altiplano is situated in west-central South America, in the region where the Andes Mountains reach their widest extent.

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Which of the following cities is mentioned as being located on the Altiplano?

Answer: La Paz

Explanation: La Paz, the administrative capital of Bolivia, is mentioned as one of the cities situated on the Altiplano.

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The Altiplano Cundiboyacense in Colombia is comparable in size to which European country?

Answer: Switzerland

Explanation: The Altiplano Cundiboyacense in Colombia is comparable in size to Switzerland.

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Key Global Plateaus: Africa, Australia, and Antarctica

The Antarctic Plateau is an example of a continental plateau.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Antarctic Plateau in East Antarctica is provided as an example of a continental plateau.

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The Ethiopian Highlands are known as the 'Roof of Africa' and are the lowest plateau on the continent.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Ethiopian Highlands are indeed known as the 'Roof of Africa' due to their significant elevation, making them the highest plateau on the continent, not the lowest.

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The Highveld region in South Africa has an average altitude significantly below 1,000 meters.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Highveld region in South Africa is an inland plateau with altitudes typically ranging from 1,500 to 2,100 meters above sea level, well above 1,000 meters.

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The Giza Plateau is located in Morocco.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Giza Plateau, along with the Galala plateaus, is located in Egypt, not Morocco.

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The Antarctic Plateau is also referred to as the Polar Plateau or the King Haakon VII Plateau.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Antarctic Plateau is indeed known by the alternative names Polar Plateau and King Haakon VII Plateau.

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Measurements indicate that all land beneath the Antarctic ice sheet is significantly above sea level.

Answer: False

Explanation: Echolocation measurements have revealed that large areas of the land beneath the Antarctic ice sheet are situated below sea level.

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The Western Plateau in Australia is part of the ancient Canadian Shield and has a high average elevation.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Western Plateau in Australia is part of the ancient Australian Shield, not the Canadian Shield, and has a moderate average elevation between 305 and 460 meters.

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The North Island Volcanic Plateau in New Zealand is characterized by glaciers and fjords.

Answer: False

Explanation: The North Island Volcanic Plateau in New Zealand is characterized by volcanoes, lava plateaus, and crater lakes, not glaciers and fjords.

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The Northern Tablelands in Australia represent one of the most extensive highland regions in the Southern Hemisphere outside of Antarctica.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Northern Tablelands in Australia are noted as one of the most extensive highland regions in the Southern Hemisphere, excluding Antarctica.

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The Ethiopian Highlands generally maintain an altitude below 1,000 meters.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Ethiopian Highlands generally maintain an altitude above 1,500 meters, with summits reaching as high as 4,556 meters.

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Which of the following is identified as an example of a continental plateau?

Answer: The Antarctic Plateau

Explanation: The Antarctic Plateau is provided as an example of a continental plateau, characterized by being bordered on all sides by plains or oceans.

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What nickname is given to the Ethiopian Highlands due to their significant elevation?

Answer: The Roof of Africa

Explanation: The Ethiopian Highlands are nicknamed 'The Roof of Africa' due to their status as the highest plateau on the continent.

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The Highveld region in South Africa is characterized by its:

Answer: Inland plateau location with altitudes between 1,500 and 2,100 meters.

Explanation: The Highveld is an inland plateau in South Africa with altitudes typically ranging from 1,500 to 2,100 meters above sea level.

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Where are the Giza and Galala plateaus located?

Answer: Egypt

Explanation: The Giza Plateau and the Galala plateaus are located in Egypt.

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What significant discovery has been made regarding the land beneath the Antarctic ice sheet?

Answer: Large areas are situated below sea level.

Explanation: Measurements using echolocation have revealed that large portions of the land beneath the Antarctic ice sheet lie below sea level.

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The Western Plateau in Australia is part of which ancient geological structure?

Answer: The Australian Shield

Explanation: The Western Plateau in Australia is part of the ancient Australian Shield.

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Which of the following features are characteristic of the North Island Volcanic Plateau in New Zealand?

Answer: Volcanoes, lava plateaus, and crater lakes.

Explanation: The North Island Volcanic Plateau in New Zealand is characterized by volcanic features such as volcanoes, lava plateaus, and crater lakes.

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