Mesa Vs. Plateau: What Is The Difference? When To Use Each

The world has many interesting geographic and landscape features, like mountains, hills, craters, mesas, and plateaus. There are so many features that it is nearly impossible to name and master all. Also, some of them are quite similar in that people often confuse them for each other; we will let you know more about the mesa vs. plateau.

The confusion between a mesa and plateau stems from the fact that they are both elevated landforms. A mesa refers to a flat land area higher than its surroundings and features at least one cliff-like edge. A plateau is a large area at a higher elevation. Plateaus are larger than mesa.

What do you call an elevated area with a flattened surface or a tableland? Most people’s response to this question is “plateau.” However, the answer may be “mesa;” find out the differences between the two in this post. We will also reveal much more you should know about these two words.

Definitions Of Mesa And Plateau

Differentiating words is impossible without defining them. The definitions will help you identify specific elements that stand out with each word. Check the definitions for mesa and plateau below.

Definition For Mesa

A mesa is a type of mountain with unique peaks that resembles plateaus. The peak of a mesa typically features cliffs, edges, and plateau-like arches.

Mesas are commonly found in the Southwestern region of America. They characteristically feature soft sedimentary rocks at the top with a mid and bottom layer of harder and more resistant rocks.

Besides the definition above, other meanings of the word mesa exist. They include the following:

• A mesa is a flat area with ridges and cliffs on a higher land (not necessarily a mountain). In simpler terms, it is a level tableland with sharp edges. (Example: In a few more miles, we will arrive in Colorado and check out the famous mesa).
• Mesa is also the name of a city located in Easter Phoenix. (Example: Mesa was traditionally a suburb of Phoenix before the travelers inhabited it).

Definitions Of Plateau

A plateau is an elevated dry land that experiences less rain than its surrounding lower areas. It is a fascinating geological feature found in many parts of the world. Most plateaus occur when two mountain ranges or other elevated geographical features meet.

What are the Secondary Definitions of “Plateau?”

This word bears a lot of significance in the field of Geography. However, it has other non-geography-related definitions. Other meanings of the word “plateau” are;

The verb “plateau” means “to reach a stable level or to level off.” Other dictionaries define it as “to settle at a given amount, level, or degree.” (Example: Unless you work harder, you will plateau at your current level instead of reaching your full potential).

In science, the noun “plateau” means “a moderately stable level in something that differs.” Simply, a plateau is a period or level of relative stability or little change in a priorly changing state. (Example: We can begin studying the graph as the lines seem to have reached a plateau).

In sports and broadcasting, “plateau” means “a notable level of entertainment or achievement.” (Example: The golfer’s career has reached a plateau, and we are all proud of him).

How To Properly Use Mesa And Plateau In A Sentence

The beauty of learning new English words is that you can apply them confidently. The section below will guide you on how and when to use mesa and plateau.

How To Use Mesa

Mesa is a noun. Therefore, you can use it in a sentence as a subject. Also, you use its plural form (mesas).

(Example: The teacher prepared many illustrations of mesas for the geology lecture.)

Note: Besides the plural and singular form of the noun “mesa,” this word does not have any other word forms, like adverbs, verbs, adjectives, or past and present tenses. Therefore, its application is pretty straightforward.

So, when do you use mesa? You can use the noun “mesa” in the contexts below.

• To refer to a flat elevated area on a plain that looks like a plateau but has steep escarpments. (Example: Tom took me on an exciting drive to the Rio Grande, where we encountered a steep climb to the Taos mesa).
• To refer to a large and isolated flatland covered with a few trees. (Example: This tree species has survived so long because it grew on the isolated mesa where no one interfered with it).

How And When To Use Plateau

The word plateau can be used as a noun or verb. Also, its meaning as a noun differs from its definition as a verb. Therefore, when applying the word, you should first decide which form you wish to use and the definition.

So, when do you use plateau as a verb? You can use the verb “plateau” to describe something or someone that has settled at a fixed level, degree, or amount. Also, the verb “plateau” has several word forms you can use in sentences. They are;

• Plateaued – the past tense 
• Plateaus – third-person singular simple present indicative form
• Plateauing – the present participle
• Plateaued – past participle 

You can also use plateau as a noun. These are some of the contexts that fit this word in this form.

• Indicating an elevated flatland
• Referring to a state of little change after a period of activity
• Indicating a large area of land at a high elevation
• Indicating a level of career achievement

The noun “plateau” features the word forms plateaus or plateaux (plural). Note that nouns do not have past or present tenses. Therefore, the noun “plateau” does not feature many forms you can use in sentences.

Examples Of Words Mesa And Plateau In Sentences

Before you start using these words in your conversations, check out the examples below;

Example sentences of “mesa”

1. The tourists had the best time riding across the mesa and going down a wide creek.
2. The Mesa Verde National Park has the most spectacular ruins and fantastic camping locations for bikers.
3. The mesa in New Mexico was created by differential erosion in the surrounding countryside.
4. June gave the perfect definition for a mesa in the entire class and earned extra credit. 
5. Unless you are very keen, you can mistake that mesa for a plateau when looking at it from a distance.

Example sentences of “plateau”

1. After many years in the firm, Hanna’s career has reached a plateau.
2. The best part of our Europe trip was visiting the plateau.
3. The scientists spent hours waiting for the chemical reaction to reach a plateau so they could begin the analysis.
4. Forests and indigenous birds cover the plateau in Mexico.
5. The study of plateaus was my favorite subject in college.

What Are The Differences? Mesa Vs. Plateau

This post would be incomplete without a breakdown of the differences between these two words. Read the list below to know the differences.

• A plateau is more extensive than a mesa.
• A plateau does not have ridges like a mesa.
• The word “plateau” is a noun and verb, while “mesa” is only a noun.
• Plateau has several meanings outside of Geography, unlike mesa.

Conclusion

A mesa is a flat piece of land with steep sides, and it is also the name of a city in Arizona. A plateau is a large elevated area. Unlike a mesa, a plateau is enormous and does not feature any ridges. Also, the word plateau has various meanings in sports, sciences, and broadcasting. Now that you know all this, you can incorporate these words into your vocabulary effortlessly.