A plateau is understood as a significant area of mountainous terrain with a height of more than a kilometer, on which plateaus and flat surfaces prevail. In some cases, the plateaus have a sufficient undulation of the relief, separated by valleys. The Tibetan Plateau is considered the largest plateau on the planet.
The largest plateau in the world
Located north of the Himalayas in the southern part of Asia, the Tibetan Plateau covers an area of nearly 2 million square meters. km. Its average height is 4800 m. But the highland cannot be called a plain, since it also includes mountain ranges. In the northern part of the highland there is the Kunlun ridge, and beyond it the vast steppes of Central Asia.
The Tibetan Plateau is the highest elevation on the planet.
The largest rivers of Hindustan and Southeast Asia originate in the Tibetan Plateau. The Indus flows from the northern slopes of the Himalayas. Slightly to the east, the Brahmaputra originates, which flows in the other direction - to the east. The Mekong, Salween, Yangtze and Yellow River begin their journey from the eastern part of the highlands. Majestic rivers slowly carry their waters through the wide valleys of the flat part of Tibet.
At an altitude of more than four thousand meters in the highland region, you can find many lakes that fill tectonic depressions. These lakes are often shallow, and the water in them is brackish. Low banks are very often swampy. The high concentration of salts gives the high-mountainous lakes of the Tibetan Plateau brown and turquoise hues. With the onset of November frosts, the lakes, as a rule, freeze over.
Tibetan plateau - a harsh and beautiful land
There are also minerals in the highlands. Deposits of gold and cassiterite have been found in the northern regions of Tibet. There are also polymetallic ores. In the ancient deposits of the southern part of the highland, there are deposits of coal. Soda reserves are one of the main resources available to the endless lakes of the Tibetan Plateau.
Most of the highlands are barren. However, the views in this area are unusually majestic and amaze travelers with their rugged beauty. Vast flat valleys are framed by peaks that are covered with eternal snow. The air of the highlands is fresh and clean, so nothing prevents you from admiring the beauty of the local nature.
Spring and summer in the Tibetan Plateau are very short. Greenery appears in the form of bright spots of flowers that rush to bask in the sun.
The population living in the Tibetan Plateau region also strives to usefully spend a short warm period. Before the onset of cold weather, cattle must be brought out to pastures, which can feed on greens here. Until the snow covers the passes, the people of Tibet are eager to make purchases necessary for household needs and for home. A significant number of local residents remain nomads, living in yurts made of skins.
