Intermontane plateaus are landforms bordered by mountain rims and contained by high mountain chains; they are the highest plateaus in the world. Intermontane plateaus are large tablelands produced or positioned between mountain ranges. An Intermontane plateau is one that is bordered by mountains on all sides. The Tibetan plateau, the Bolivian plateau, and the Western United States are all instances of the Intermontane plateau. This article will explain about Intermontane Plateaus which will be helpful in Geography preparation for the UPSC Civil Service exam.

Intermontane Plateaus

• Intermontane plateaus are landforms that are bordered by mountain rims and are contained by high mountain chains; they are the highest plateaus in the world.
• An intermontane plateau is a plateau that is encircled or surrounded by mountain ranges.
• The Tibetan Plateau and the Mongolian Plateau are Asia's two intermontane plateaus.
• The world's tallest, biggest, and most complex plateaus are found in the Intermontane Plateaus.
• Their surfaces display a wide range of topographic characteristics.
• Other examples of intermontane plateaus in the world include the Iranian plateau, which is located between the Zagros and Elburz mountains, the Columbian Plateau, which is located in parts of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho states in the United States, the Anatolian plateau, which is located between the Pontics, and the Taurus mountain, among others.

Intermontane Plateau

Intermontane Plateaus - Formation

• Plateaus are formed by a variety of weathering and erosional processes, including volcanic magma, lava extrusion, running water, and glaciers.
• Plateaus form when molten magma rises from the Earth's mantle to the crust's surface; during the rising process, a large flat area of rock is uplifted to form a plateau.
• Instead of breaking through, the magma lifts a portion of the rock as it rises to form a plateau.
• Intermontane plateaus, on the other hand, are formed during mountain-building movements.
• When Fold Mountains rise up due to horizontal pressure on the layers of rocks, the lands in between the mountains are forced to lift up, and thus the uplift of Fold Mountains frequently builds up the intermontane plateau in between their ranges.

Intermontane Plateaus - Features

• Many plateaus are made up of ancient, thick rock formations, and iron ore and coal are commonly found in plateau outliers.
• They feature almost horizontal rock strata that are uplifted to great heights by vertical earth movements.
• The intermontane plateau is a high land area with irregular or undulating topography.
• The intermontane plateau is a popular tourist destination due to its geologic history, beautiful scenery, and abundant water and energy supplies.
• They are surrounded by mountains.

Tibetan Plateau - Intermontane Plateau

Conclusion

The phrase 'intermontane' implies 'between mountains.' These uplands are surrounded entirely or partially by mountains, most of which are fold mountains. They occur as a result of the collision of two or more tectonic plates. As a result, the rock strata are virtually horizontal. These are the world's tallest plateaus.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Which of the following is an example of an intermontane plateau?

A) Deccan Plateau
B) Tibetan Plateau
C) Chota Nagpur Plateau
D) Central Siberian Plateau

2. How do Intermontane Plateaus primarily form?

A) Volcanic eruptions
B) Tectonic movements
C) River erosion
D) Glacial movements

3. Which of the following plateaus is known as the "Roof of the World"?

A) Deccan Plateau
B) Tibetan Plateau
C) Colorado Plateau
D) Patagonian Plateau

4. Which process contributes to the formation of Intermontane Plateaus?

A) Erosion by rivers
B) Folding and faulting
C) Glaciation
D) Ocean currents

5. Which of the following characteristics is typical of an intermontane plateau?

A) Low elevation
B) Surrounding by plains
C) Flat land between mountains
D) Located near coastlines

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Explain the geological processes that lead to the formation of Intermontane Plateaus. Provide examples of such plateaus.

Answer: Intermontane plateaus are formed through tectonic processes, mainly the collision and uplifting of continental plates. These plateaus are typically located between mountain ranges, where tectonic forces cause the land to rise. Examples include the Tibetan Plateau (between the Himalayas and other ranges) and the Altiplano (between the Andes). Volcanic activity and erosion may also contribute to their formation.

Q2: Discuss the impact of Intermontane Plateaus on regional climate patterns, using the Tibetan Plateau as an example.

Answer: Intermontane plateaus like the Tibetan Plateau have a significant impact on regional climate patterns. Due to their high elevation, they block wind and weather systems, often creating arid conditions on one side and causing heavy rainfall on the other. The Tibetan Plateau influences the monsoon patterns in South Asia and creates a rain shadow effect over the Tibetan region.

Q3: Evaluate the economic and ecological significance of Intermontane Plateaus.

Answer: Intermontane plateaus hold great economic and ecological importance. They are often rich in mineral resources, making them important for mining industries. Ecologically, these regions support unique flora and fauna due to their altitude and isolation. However, they are also fragile ecosystems, vulnerable to climate change and human activities such as mining and deforestation, which can disrupt their ecological balance.

Previous Year Questions on Intermontane Plateaus

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2022:

Question: Which of the following regions is an example of an intermontane plateau?

A) Deccan Plateau
B) Chota Nagpur Plateau
C) Tibetan Plateau
D) Malwa Plateau

Answer: (C)

Explanation: The Tibetan Plateau is an intermontane plateau surrounded by the Himalayas and other mountain ranges, making it the largest and highest plateau in the world.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2021 (GS Paper 1):

Question: "Analyze the role of tectonic activity in shaping the landscape of intermontane plateaus, with specific reference to the Altiplano plateau in South America."

Answer: The Altiplano plateau in South America is an example of an intermontane plateau shaped by tectonic forces. The collision of the South American and Nazca plates caused the land to uplift, creating this high plateau between the Andes mountains. The ongoing tectonic activity continues to influence the landscape, resulting in seismic events and further uplift. The unique climatic and ecological characteristics of the Altiplano are also a direct result of its geological history.