Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Pamir Plateau
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question deals with physiographic features of the Earth, specifically plateaus. High plateaus influence climate, river systems and human settlement patterns. The plateau associated with very great elevation and often nicknamed the Roof of the World lies in Central Asia where several major mountain ranges meet. Many school and competitive exam books refer to the Pamir region with this title and describe it as one of the highest plateaus. Recognising this name helps candidates answer questions that connect regional nicknames with actual landforms.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
In many geography texts, the phrase Roof of the World is linked with the Pamir Knot, an area where Hindu Kush, Karakoram, Kunlun and Tian Shan mountain ranges converge. The Pamir region forms a high plateau in Central Asia. Although Tibetan Plateau is sometimes called the Roof of the World as well, exam oriented material that asks specifically about highest plateau often highlights Pamir Plateau. Deccan Plateau in India and Colorado Plateau in the United States are important but much lower in elevation compared to Pamir and Tibet. Given the options, Pamir Plateau is the best match for the description in widely used GK books.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the phrase Roof of the World, which hints at extremely high elevation.
Step 2: Recall that Pamir Plateau in Central Asia lies at the junction of several high mountain ranges and is commonly associated with this nickname in geography teaching.
Step 3: Note that Deccan Plateau is a volcanic plateau in southern India with moderate elevation, not comparable to very high Central Asian plateaus.
Step 4: Recognise that Colorado Plateau in the United States is also high but lower than the great plateaus of Central Asia.
Step 5: Since Tibetan Plateau is not listed among the options, select Pamir Plateau as the correct answer in line with traditional GK usage.
Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, think of how school atlases and GK books match nicknames to regions. Roof of the World is often paired with Pamir, while Roof of Asia or similar phrases may be tied to Tibet. If students remember that the Pamir Knot is a classic textbook term and that the plateau around it is considered one of the highest on Earth, they can confidently choose Pamir Plateau when that specific nickname appears in exam questions, especially when Tibetan Plateau is not offered as an option.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Deccan Plateau is a large plateau in south India but lies at considerably lower elevations and is not described as the highest plateau or Roof of the World.
Colorado Plateau in North America is elevated and includes famous canyon landscapes but does not reach the extreme heights of Central Asian plateaus.
None of these is incorrect because Pamir Plateau, which is included in the list, fits the commonly taught description of the highest plateau associated with the Roof of the World title.
Common Pitfalls:
A typical confusion is between Pamir Plateau and Tibetan Plateau, since both are very high and sometimes share similar nicknames in different sources. Another mistake is to think only within national context and select Deccan Plateau for Indian exams. To avoid such confusion, aspirants should associate Roof of the World specifically with Pamir in the context of Central Asia and remember that Deccan Plateau, though important, is not an extreme in world height comparisons.
Final Answer:
Among the given options, the plateau recognised as the highest and often called the Roof of the World is the Pamir Plateau.
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