A lava plateau is an extensive upland area with a level surface. It is made up of many successive layers of lava. It is formed by large quantities of fluid basic lava erupting from many cracks in the earth’s surface. An example is the Adamawa plateau, Deccan plateau in India.

Impact of Volcanicity on Man

Volcanic eruptions and the features that are produced are important to man, but they can be dangerous also.

Volcanic Hazards

• Flowing lava or ash and cinder particles that fall can bury houses and farmland.
• Earth quakes during eruptions can cause landslides on mountains slopes destroying lives and properties.
• Also, lava or ash and cinder particles that solidify can block a river, road or bridge and cause floods.
• Fires caused by hot glowing rocks fragments during eruption can destroy vegetables, wildlife and properties.
• Ash and poisonous gases can cause health hazards. Eg: Lake Nyos

Importance of Volcanicity (Advantages)

• Volcanic ash, dust and lava form fertile soils that encourage agriculture. Eg: Fertile volcanic soils in the South West region where the CD plantation is found.