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Geological wonders: Do you know where the highest peak and lowest point of the Iranian Plateau are?
The Iranian Plateau, also known as the Persian Plateau, is a geological feature that spans parts of the Caucasus, Central Asia, South Asia, and West Asia. This plateau is part of the Eurasian Plate, sandwiched between the Arabian and Indian Plates. The Iranian Plateau has a very special geographical location, with the Zagros Mountains to the west, the Caspian Sea and Mount Kopet, the Armenian Highlands and the Caucasus Mountains to the northwest, and the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf to the south. The southeast surrounds the Indian subcontinent.
The highest point of the Iranian Plateau is Noshak Peak in the Hindu Kush Mountains, which is 7,492 meters above sea level, while the lowest point is the Lut Desert in eastern Kerman, Iran, which is less than 300 meters.
Although it is called a plateau, the terrain of the Iranian Plateau is not flat. It has many mountains, which were formed by the collision of the Arabian Plate and the Eurasian Continent. The vast Iranian Plateau includes most of Iran, all of Afghanistan, and Pakistan west of the Indus River, covering an area of 3.7 million square kilometers. The area is also known for its rich geological research, especially in the field of economic geology.
Geological features
According to geological research, the Iranian Plateau is mainly composed of ancient rock platforms and is connected to the famous Zagros fold and thrust belt. This plateau is where the northward movement of the Arabian Plate interacts with the Eurasian continent, resulting in numerous geological activities, which is why it has become an important location for studying continental collision zones.
Geographic Location
The Iranian Plateau extends from East Azerbaijan Province in northwestern Iran to Afghanistan and includes parts of Pakistan. The plateau is the site of the source of many major rivers, such as the Aras in the east and the Euphrates and Tigris in the south, which empty into the Persian Gulf.
The main mountain ranges of the plateau can be divided into five major sub-regions, including the Northwestern Iranian Mountains, the Southwestern Iranian Mountains, the Central Iranian Plateau, the Eastern Iranian Mountains, and the Pakistani portion.
History and Archaeology
The Iranian Plateau may have played an important role in the migration of modern humans from Africa, becoming a "population hub" that allowed the "common Eurasians" to develop and expand. During the Bronze Age, the Elamite culture here once spanned the Zagros Mountains, connecting two major civilized areas - Mesopotamia and the Iranian Plateau.
In classical times, the region was known as Persia, because it was the site of the Achaemenid Empire.
Ecology and Economy
This plateau has been famous for its rich natural resources and diverse ecosystems since ancient times, and is home to abundant wildlife including leopards, bears, and wild boars. Trees such as hibiscus and poplar also grow here. The fruits and crops produced on the Persian Plateau have a long history and are still an important source of livelihood for local residents.
In today's society, facing the challenges of climate change and environmental changes, how can the biodiversity and human activities on the Iranian Plateau develop in harmony?
