How do plateaus differ from mountain ranges?

While plateaus and mountain ranges can both be formed by similar tectonic processes—such as volcanism, crustal shortening, and thermal expansion—they are distinct in their physical characteristics.12

The primary difference lies in their topography: while plateaus stand at higher elevations than the surrounding terrain, they are defined by their remarkably flat surfaces and low relative relief. In contrast, mountain ranges are characterized by a series of closely related ridges and peaks.13

Geologically, these landforms diverge significantly:
* Flatness: Plateaus often maintain a flat surface due to resistant rock layers or the infilling of basins with sediment, whereas mountain ranges are typically defined by rugged, deformed terrain.2
* Location: Some plateaus, such as the Deccan plateau, exist far from mountain belts, while others are integral parts of them.1
* Formation: Some plateaus are essentially mountain ranges that have been buried in their own debris, while others, like the Colorado Plateau, were uplifted through processes that left their rock layers largely undeformed.12