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SubjectFree lesson

Plateaux

ClassNotes Team 2 MIN READUPDATED 4 JUL 2026

Geography SSS1 Second Term

WEEK 2

Plateaux

Performance Objectives

Students should be able to:

  1. Types of Plateaux
  2. Mode of formation
  3. Advantages and Disadvantages of Plateaux

Content

Types of Plateaux

There are three types of plateaux based on their mode of formation. These are tectonic, volcanic and dissected plateaux.

Tectonic   Plateaux are formed as a result of earth movement which causes the uplift areas of the land or undulating land from tectonic plateaux and the depressed area from basins.

Tectonic Plateaux are of two types:

  • Tableland: The uplifted areas of the level of the land slope down to surrounding lower land
  • Intermont: the uplifted area of the level land slopes up or is enclosed by fold Mountains. Examples of Intermont plateaux Tibetan plateau between the Himalayas

Volcanic or Lava Plateaux are formed when molten lava comes out of the earth’s crust through a vent and spreads out in successive layers. The lava cools and solidifies to form volcanic or lava plateau examples include the Antrim Plateau of Northern Ireland and Columbia snake Plateau

Dissected Plateaux is formed due to weathering and agents of denudation such as running water, wind, ice e.tc. Which wear large down large and extensive plateaux into the remnant structure of irregular surfaces called dissected plateaux. They may include Jos plateau (Nigeria), edges of Fouta Djallon plateau (Guinea) and Kumasi (Ghana)

Advantages or Uses of Plateaux

  1. Some plateaux are sources of valuable minerals like tin, gold, diamond e.t.c which are useful to man
  2. Some plateaux are centres of tourist attraction
  3. Some plateaux are sources of many rivers
  4. Some plateaux, like Jos plateau, have a cold climate which encourages settlement of people
  5. Plateaus also support the growth of pasture grasses and legumes which support the rearing of animals

Disadvantages of plateaux

  1. Some plateaux are barriers to communication as they prevent road, railway and airport construction
  2. Some plateaux are associated with erosion which tends to reduce or prevent serious farming activities