lava plateau

A lava plateau refers to a large, flat, elevated area that has been formed by the eruption and subsequent solidification of lava over a long period of time. These plateaus are usually created when basaltic lava flows out of volcanic vents and covers a wide area, creating a thick layer of solidified rock.

Lava plateaus are typically characterized by their extensive area and relatively uniform topography, with minimal relief or variation in elevation. They can span tens to hundreds of kilometers and often have a rough, jagged surface due to the cooling and solidification of the lava. As a result, lava plateaus are often studded with various volcanic features such as volcanic cones, cinder cones, and volcanic craters.

Some famous examples of lava plateaus include the Columbia Plateau in the United States, the Deccan Plateau in India, and the Snake River Plain in Idaho, USA. These plateaus are of great geological and ecological significance, housing unique ecosystems and providing valuable insights into the earth's volcanic history.