Answer:
A lava plateau is created through volcanic activity. When shield volcanoes erupt, magma flows from the Earth’s mantle through fissures in the crust. These flows, primarily composed of basalt, gradually harden into layers or ‘flows.’ Over time, these successive flows build up to form the expansive plateau. The key characteristics of lava plateaus include:
1. Fluid Lava: The lava is extremely fluid, with low viscosity. This allows it to flow evenly over a large area before cooling.
2. Slow Cooling: As the lava spreads, it cools slowly, resulting in the formation of extensive plateaus.
3. Valley Filling: The lava fills former valleys and covers most of the surrounding hills.
In summary, lava plateaus are the result of repeated volcanic eruptions depositing layers of basaltic lava, creating vast, flat landscapes.
