Why can more than one geologic process contribute to the formation of a plateau?

Plateaus are formed by three primary tectonic processes: volcanism, crustal shortening, and thermal expansion of the lithosphere.1

It is common for more than one of these processes to contribute to the formation of a single plateau because they frequently operate simultaneously in the same geologic environment. For example, when the underlying mantle is exceptionally hot, thermal expansion causes the surface to uplift, while the same heat source often triggers volcanism that covers the region in lava and volcanic ash.1

The Ethiopian Plateau illustrates this interaction, as it stands high due to thermal heating, yet is also extensively covered by Cenozoic volcanic rocks. Similarly, complex regions like the Plateau of Tibet may be influenced by all three processes—crustal shortening, thermal expansion, and volcanic activity—working in tandem to define the final elevation and surface characteristics of the landform.1