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Extensive area of flat upland, usually bounded by an escarpment on all sides but sometimes enclosed by mountains.
Plateaus are extensive, and together with enclosed basins they cover about 45% of the Earth's land surface. The essential criteria for a plateau are low relative relief and some altitude. Low relief distinguishes plateaus from mountain s, although their origin may be similar. Plateaus, being high, often create their own local climate; the topography of plateaus and their surroundings often produce arid and semiarid conditions.
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[c mediumvioletred] (as used in expressions)
Cumberland Plateau
oceanic plateau
submarine plateau
Ozark Plateau
{{link=Plateau Indian">Plateau Indian