Two-Thirds of Earth's Land: Mountains and Plateaus

The answer to "Two thirds of land is made up high mountains and ___" is plateaus. Together, mountains and plateaus constitute approximately 66% of Earth's land surface—a testament to the planet's dynamic tectonic history.

What Are Plateaus?

Plateaus are elevated flatlands—broad, relatively level areas raised significantly above surrounding terrain. Unlike mountains (peaks, ridges), plateaus offer expansive horizontal surfaces at altitude.

Formation Processes

• Tectonic uplift: Crustal blocks rise uniformly (Colorado Plateau, Tibetan Plateau)
• Volcanic accumulation: Massive lava flows build flat layers (Deccan Traps, Columbia Plateau)
• Erosional remnants: Resistant caprock protects underlying layers (mesas, buttes)
• Glacial/fluvial dissection: Rivers/glaciers carve mountains into plateau-like remnants

Major Global Plateaus

Ecological & Human Significance

• Water towers: Plateaus capture precipitation, feeding major rivers
• Biodiversity: Unique high-altitude ecosystems (páramo, alpine meadows)
• Mineral wealth: Concentrated ores (copper, gold, lithium)
• Human adaptation: Ancient civilizations (Inca, Tibetan) developed high-altitude agriculture
• Climate regulation: Influence monsoons, jet streams, carbon cycling

From the Andes to the Himalayas, plateaus—like mountains—shape climate, culture, and life on Earth.