Major Plateaus of Oceania

There are numerous prominent plateaus in Oceania. The Great Papuan Plateau in Papua New Guinea is renowned for its karst terrain, whereas the Central Plateau in Tasmania is the greatest high ground. In the southwest Pacific Ocean, Lord Howe Rise is a deep-water plateau; in Queensland, Australia, the Atherton Tableland has good soils. The Oriomo Plateau, Three Kings Ridge, Nullarbor Plain, and Toovii in French Polynesia are a few further noteworthy plateaus.

Features of Major Plateaus of Oceania

Here are the descriptions about major plateaus of Oceania −

Central Plateau

The largest area of high ground in Tasmania is the Central Plateau. On the Great Lake's eastern bank, Cramps Bay is surrounded by the Central Plateau. The majority of the Central Plateau Conservation Area is located in the western half of the community, while Great Lake is located in the eastern part. Between the western section and Great Lake, the communities of Breona, Doctors Point, Brandum, Reynolds Neck, Liawenee, and Miena are located.

It is bordered to the east by the Great Western Tiers, to the south by a number of hydroelectric projects, and to the west by Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park. A sizable rural community called Central Plateau is located approximately 117 kilometres (73 miles) north-west of the town of Hamilton. According to the 2016 census, Central Plateau, a state suburb, has no residents.

Great Papuan Plateau

The Southern Highlands, Hela, and Western Provinces of Papua New Guinea contain a karst plateau known as the Great Papuan Plateau. The Karius Range, the southern boundary of the highlands, comprising Mount Sisa (2,650 m), to the north, and Mount Bosavi (2,507 m), to the south, border it on the east and west, respectively.

It is also bounded by the upper sections of the Kikori River and Strickland River. Because of its well-preserved natural systems and culturally significant structures, the Great Papuan Plateau is part of the Kikori River Basin/Great Papuan Plateau, which was listed on a tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage structures in 2006.

With a population of only 2,100 people and at least five different languages according to the government census conducted in 1966, the eastern portion of the plateau, located east of the Sioa River, is around 525 square miles (1,360 km²) in size. The Bosavi, Hawalisi, and Onabasulu are the main ethnic groupings in this area. The Sonia, Bedamuni, and Etoro are located further to the west. These groups primarily engage in swidden agriculture with taro exploitation. Petroleum resources can be found on the Great Papuan Plateau, and a pipeline connecting it to Daru is currently being built.

Lord Howe Rise

• In the southwest Pacific Ocean, the Lord Howe Rise is a deep-water plateau that stretches from west of New Zealand to the Challenger Plateau, south-west of New Caledonia. The Tasman Basin lies to its west, and the New Caledonia Basin is to its east. It is made of continental crust since it is a portion of Zealandia, a much bigger continent that is now largely submerged.

• Given its genesis in the continental crust, some have included the 3,500 m deep New Caledonia Basin as part of the rise, which would result in a bigger total area of 1,950,000 km² (Lord Howe Rise is located typically between 750 and 1,200 meters beneath water and has a total size of around 1,500,000 km².

Atherton Tableland

In Queensland, Australia, near the Great Dividing Range, there is a fertile plateau known as the Atherton Tableland. The primary sector is agriculture, and the region has highly rich, deep basaltic soils. The Barron River, which was dammed to create the irrigation reservoir known as Lake Tinaroo, is the main river crossing the plateau.

Before tectonic forces split the eastern margin and pulled the Australian continent apart around 100 million years ago, the eastern edge of the continent reached much farther to the east. This region is a separate physiographic region inside the wider East Australian Cordillera physiographic division, which in turn is a part of the North Queensland Highlands province. The Bellenden Ker Range located to the south of the Tablelands.

Oriomo Plateau

In Papua New Guinea's Western Province, there is a plateau known as the Oriomo Plateau. In the area, Oriomo languages are spoken. It is located in the broader highland region of Papua New Guinea's Southern Highlands Province. The plateau is distinguished by its rocky topography, high altitude, and dense vegetation. It is a significant agricultural region recognized for the rich soils that sustain a wide range of crops, including vegetables, coffee, and tea. The Oriomo Plateau attracts tourists and environment lovers since it is noted for its picturesque splendour and is home to a variety of fauna.

Three Kings Ridge

The Three Kings Ridge is a deep sea, westward-facing volcanic arc that starts 55 kilometres (34 mi) northwest of Cape Reinga / Te Rerenga Wairua, New Zealand, on the boundary between New Caledonia and Fiji in the South Pacific Ocean. The ridge and its northern extension, the Loyalty Ridge, which extends north of New Caledonia, are currently relatively well-studied features of Zealandia tectonics that span more than 3,000 km (1,900 mi).

At its southern extremity, it is also known as Three Kings Bank and, less frequently, Three Kings Rise. Its southernmost region's Manawatwhi/Three Kings Islands, which are home to important marine habitats and rare species, have biological value.

Nullarbor Plain

The Nullarbor Plain is a flat, nearly treeless, arid or semi-arid region of southern Australia, bordered to the north by the Great Victoria Desert and situated on the coast of the Great Australian Bight. It covers an area of about 200,000 square kilometres and is the greatest single exposure of limestone bedrock in the entire planet. It spans the boundary between South Australia and Western Australia for about 1,100 kilometres from east to west at its largest point. As evidenced by the bryozoans, foraminifera, echinoids, and red algae calcareous skeletons that make up the limestone, the Nullarbor Plain was once a shallow seafloor.

Toʼoviʼi

Tōviʼi, sometimes known as Toʼoviʼi, is a high plateau in the historic province of Te Iʼi in western Nuku Hiva, French Polynesia. The term "To'ovi'i" describes a plateau in the South Pacific Island nation of Samoa. The island of Upolu, which is Samoa's most populous and second-largest island, is where the plateau is located. The To'ovi'i plateau is renowned for its picturesque scenery, lush green surroundings, and tropical rainforests.

It provides possibilities to explore the island's unique flora and wildlife and is a well-liked destination for hikers and environment lovers. Tall grasses make up the majority of the plateau's vegetation. The plateau, an important physical feature of Samoa, offers breathtaking views of the area's coastline.

List of Major Plateaus of Oceania

Here's a table showcasing the major plateaus in Oceania along with their locations −

Plateau	Location
Central Plateau	Tasmania, Australia
Great Papuan Plateau	Papua New Guinea
Lord Howe Rise	Lord Howe Island
Atherton Tableland	Queensland, Australia
Oriomo Plateau	New Caledonia
Three Kings Ridge	New Zealand
Nullarbor Plain	Southern Australia
Toʼoviʼi	Wallis and Futuna

Conclusion

Oceania's plateaus play a part in the region's distinctive sceneries and varied geography. These elevated landforms, like the Great Papuan Plateau in Papua New Guinea and Tasmania's Central Plateau, present opportunities for research and exploration. The climate, vegetation, and habitats of Oceania are further influenced by the presence of plateaus as Lord Howe Rise, Atherton Tableland, Oriomo Plateau, Three Kings Ridge, Nullarbor Plain, and Toovii. For the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable development of the region's resources, it is essential to comprehend and protect these plateaus.

Frequently Asked Question

Where is the Central Plateau located?

The Central Plateau is located in Tasmania, Australia.

What is unique about the Great Papuan Plateau?

The Great Papuan Plateau in Papua New Guinea is known for its karst formations and cultural significance. It is listed as a tentative UNESCO World Heritage structure.

What is the Lord Howe Rise made of?

The Lord Howe Rise is made of continental crust and is part of Zealandia, a submerged continent in the southwest Pacific Ocean.

Where is the Atherton Tableland located?

The Atherton Tableland is located near the Great Dividing Range in Queensland, Australia.

What is special about the Oriomo Plateau?

The Oriomo Plateau in Papua New Guinea's Western Province is characterized by its rocky topography, high altitude, and dense vegetation. It is known for its agricultural productivity and scenic beauty.

What is the Three Kings Ridge?

The Three Kings Ridge is a deep-sea volcanic arc that extends across the South Pacific Ocean, starting from New Zealand and reaching New Caledonia and Fiji.

What is unique about the Nullarbor Plain?

The Nullarbor Plain is a vast, treeless region in southern Australia, known for its limestone bedrock and once being a shallow seafloor.

Where is To'ovi'i located?

To'ovi'i, also known as Tōviʼi, is a high plateau in the historic province of Te Iʼi in western Nuku Hiva, French Polynesia.