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Figure 4.2. A plateau
A plateau is a large highland area of fairly level land separated
from surrounding land by steep slopes. Some plateaus, like the plateau
of Tibet, lie between mountain ranges. Others are higher than
surrounding land. Plateaus are widespread, and together with enclosed
basins they cover about 45 percent of the Earth’s land surface.
Plateaus, like all elevated regions, are subject to erosion, which
removes great amounts of the upland surface. Low plateaus are often
farming regions, while high plateaus are usually suitable for livestock
grazing. Many of the world's high plateaus are deserts.
Figure 4.3. Mountain ranges
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