What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
planum
Example
The planum region of Mars is known for its smooth, flat terrain. [planum: noun]
Example
The spacecraft landed on the planum, which provided a stable surface for the instruments. [planum: noun]
tableland
Example
The Grand Canyon is surrounded by tablelands that offer stunning views of the landscape. [tableland: noun]
Example
The hikers climbed up the tableland to get a better view of the valley below. [tableland: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tableland is more commonly used than planum in everyday language, as it is a more versatile term that can be used to describe various types of elevated landforms. Planum is a more specialized term that is primarily used in the context of planetary geology.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between planum and tableland?
Both planum and tableland are formal terms that are typically used in academic or scientific contexts. However, tableland may be considered slightly less formal due to its more common usage in everyday language.