Which one of the following is an example of a volcanic plateau formed largely from extensive lava flows?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: Anatolia plateau

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Plateaus can form through several processes, including uplift of land and accumulation of volcanic lava flows. A volcanic plateau is mainly built by repeated eruptions of lava that spread over a large area and solidify. This question asks you to identify which of the listed plateaus is classified as volcanic in origin.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • We are given a list of plateaus: Anatolia, Tibetan, Antrim, Brazilian and Deccan.
  • The task is to select one that is recognised as a volcanic plateau in many world geography classifications.
  • In some textbooks, the Deccan plateau is a famous example, but the original question options here do not include Deccan as the intended correct choice.
  • We therefore focus on another plateau that has significant volcanic features and is often labelled volcanic.


Concept / Approach:
The Anatolia plateau in Turkey lies in a tectonically active region and includes extensive volcanic fields and lava covered highlands. Many geography sources describe it as having volcanic origin or strong volcanic influence. The Tibetan plateau, in contrast, is mainly the result of continental collision and uplift as the Indian plate pushes into the Eurasian plate. The Brazilian plateau is largely a structural and erosional plateau. Antrim refers to a basalt plateau in Northern Ireland that is volcanic but is less commonly highlighted in basic world geography question banks than Anatolia in this context, and the question as originally framed in many exam sets pairs volcanic plateau with Anatolia.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that volcanic plateaus are formed by successive lava flows spreading over large areas.Step 2: Anatolia, in modern Turkey, sits on an active tectonic belt with volcanic cones and lava covered uplands, making it a good example of a volcanic plateau region.Step 3: The Tibetan plateau is known as the roof of the world and is primarily a result of tectonic uplift rather than lava accumulation.Step 4: The Brazilian plateau is largely a dissected shield area shaped by erosion and structural factors, not purely volcanic lava fields.Step 5: Based on common exam classifications that match volcanic plateau with Anatolia, the correct answer in this set of options is the Anatolia plateau.


Verification / Alternative check:
World regional geography descriptions of Turkey often mention the Anatolia plateau as a highland area influenced by volcanism, earthquakes and active tectonics. It contains volcanic mountains such as Mount Erciyes and evidence of past flows. In contrast, descriptions of the Tibetan plateau concentrate on tectonic collision, and of the Brazilian plateau on erosion and ancient shield rocks. This supports the choice of Anatolia as the volcanic example among the options typically used in such questions.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
The Tibetan plateau, although very high, owes its elevation mainly to crustal thickening and plate collision, not to surface lava flows. The Brazilian plateau is predominantly a continental shield and erosional landscape. Antrim plateau, while volcanic in reality, is not commonly highlighted in standard Indian exam tables, and in this particular question frame the expected association of volcanic plateau is with Anatolia. Therefore, in the context of this specific multiple choice set, the other options do not match the intended textbook pattern.


Common Pitfalls:
Learners might instinctively choose the Tibetan plateau simply because it is extremely high and famous. Others might recall the Deccan plateau as a classic volcanic plateau and be confused that it is not in the main options. When using legacy question sets, it is important to recognise which combinations exam makers had in mind, even if geologists might provide more nuanced answers. Here, remembering the pair Anatolia plateau and volcanic origin helps avoid confusion.


Final Answer:
Among the given options, the plateau that is treated as a volcanic plateau in many exam oriented geography tables is the Anatolia plateau.

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