plateau

Village in Tibet. Situated on a plateau in the Himalayas, Tibet is inhabited by nomadic groups, semi-nomads, and agriculturalists. The dry air and cold temperatures in the higher altitudes allow foodstuffs to be stored and preserved for long periods of time.

Glaciers in Tibet. The Tibetan Plateau is the largest and highest-elevated region in the world, with an average height of 4,500 m/15,000 ft above sea-level. Glaciers are found on the snow-capped mountain of Muztag Ulu, which has an elevation of 7,282 m/23,892 ft.

Elevated area of fairly flat land, or a mountainous region in which the peaks are at the same height. An intermontane plateau is one surrounded by mountains. A piedmont plateau is one that lies between the mountains and low-lying land. A continental plateau rises abruptly from low-lying lands or the sea. Examples are the Tibetan Plateau and the Massif Central in France.