Question

Explain the Western Cordilleras. What is intermontane plateau?

Answer 1

Instructions:

• Explain Western Cordilleras
• Explain intermontane plateau

Solution:

• Western Cordilleras:
  • The word Cordillera is derived from a Spanish word- meaning “a rope” or “a chain”.
  • Spanish explorers named western cordilleras to the extensive mountain system running down the continent’s western side from Alaska in the north to the Isthmus of Panama in the south.
  • They are a chain of young fold mountains. Continental climate-
• Intermontane plateau:
  • A plateau surrounded by mountain ranges on all sides is called an intermontane plateau.
  • For example-
    • The Great Basin
    • Columbia Plateau
    • Colorado Plateau
    • Alaskan Plateau.