Main Difference
The main difference between Mountain and Plateau is that the Mountain is a large landform that stretches above the surrounding land and Plateau is a high flat terrain
Mountain
A mountain is a large landform that stretches above the surrounding land in a limited area, usually in the form of a peak. A mountain is generally steeper than a hill. Mountains are formed through tectonic forces or volcanism. These forces can locally raise the surface of the earth. Mountains erode slowly through the action of rivers, weather conditions, and glaciers. A few mountains are isolated summits, but most occur in huge mountain ranges.
High elevations on mountains produce colder climates than at sea level. These colder climates strongly affect the ecosystems of mountains: different elevations have different plants and animals. Because of the less hospitable terrain and climate, mountains tend to be used less for agriculture and more for resource extraction and recreation, such as mountain climbing.
The highest mountain on Earth is Mount Everest in the Himalayas of Asia, whose summit is 8,850 m (29,035 ft) above mean sea level. The highest known mountain on any planet in the Solar System is Olympus Mons on Mars at 21,171 m (69,459 ft).
Plateau
In geology and physical geography a plateau ( , or ; plural plateaus or plateaux), is also called a high plain or a tableland. It is an area of a highland, usually consisting of relatively flat terrain that is raised significantly above the surrounding area, often with one or more sides with steep slopes. Plateaus can be formed by a number of processes, including upwelling of volcanic magma, extrusion of lava, and erosion by water and glaciers. Plateaus are classified according to their surrounding environment as intermontane, piedmont, or continental.
Mountain (noun)
A large mass of earth and rock, rising above the common level of the earth or adjacent land, usually given by geographers as above 1000 feet in height (or 304.8 metres), though such masses may still be described as hills in comparison with larger mountains.
“Everest is the highest mountain in the world.”
“We spent the weekend hiking in the mountains.”
Mountain (noun)
A large amount.
“There’s still a mountain of work to do.”
Mountain (noun)
A very large person or thing.
“He was a real mountain of a man, standing seven feet tall.”
Mountain (noun)
A difficult task or challenge.
Mountain (noun)
A woman’s large breast.
Mountain (noun)
The twenty-first Lenormand card.
Plateau (noun)
A largely level expanse of land at a high elevation; tableland.
Plateau (noun)
A comparatively stable level in something that varies.
Plateau (noun)
An ornamental dish for the table; a tray or salver.
Plateau (noun)
A notable level of attainment or achievement.
Plateau (verb)
To reach a stable level; to level off.
Plateau (noun)
an area of fairly level high ground.
Plateau (noun)
denoting a group of North American peoples of the high plains of western Canada and the US, including the Nez Percé.
Plateau (noun)
a state of little or no change following a period of activity or progress
“the peace process had reached a plateau”
Plateau (verb)
reach a state of little or no change after a period of activity or progress
“the industry’s problems have plateaued out”