Zone d’entraide

NaiveAbafar3712

Hello,

I can’t understand the difference between a plain, a plateau, and a shield. Could you explain it to me, please?

Thank you!

Emilie L

Thank you for your question!

A plain is a low flat region that usually covers a fair amount of land. Plains are often formed with the regression of a body of water (when a body of water disappears or changes shape) or after the passage of a glacier (glaciers crush the underlying rock and level it). An example of a plain is the Saint Lawrence Lowlands.

A plateau is a high flat region that covers a good area. Plateaus form when the Earth's crust is pushed upward. An example of a plateau is the Tibetan plateau.

A shield is a flat area at an intermediate elevation that has a domed appearance. One well-known shield is the Canadian shield.

In fact, flat areas with more than 300 meters in altitude are plateaus, while those with lower altitudes are plains.

Unlike plateaus and plains, shields have a slightly domed appearance.

Do not hesitate to ask other questions!