Highland

Highlands, also known as uplands, are regions characterized by high elevation. These areas can take many forms, such as mountainous regions, high hills, or elevated mountainous plateaus. While people often use the terms interchangeably, there are subtle differences in how they are applied. Generally, the term upland refers to a range of hills. In contrast, highland is often reserved for ranges of low mountains. These terms also describe transitional regions that sit between hilly and mountainous terrain.

Geography in the United Kingdom provides many examples of these high-elevation areas. In Scotland, the Scottish Highlands are a famous mountainous region. They are located north and west of the Highland Boundary Fault. The Highland council area is the largest local government area in Britain. Other UK regions reaching 400 meters or higher include the Southern Uplands in Scotland. In England, you can find the Pennines and the North York Moors. Dartmoor and Exmoor are also notable upland areas. Wales contains the Cambrian Mountains, which reach similar heights.

Different parts of the world use unique names for their highland regions. In New Zealand, Australia, and parts of the United States, people use the term "high country." South Africa and the highveld use a different name. Tibet is often called the "Roof of the World." The central Afghan highlands sit between 2,000 and 3,000 meters above sea level. These highlands experience very cold winters and short, cool summers. During the summer, mountain pastures known as sardsír are watered by many small streams and rivers.

The Afghan highlands are ideal for a process called seasonal transhumance. This is a method of moving animals based on the seasons. In the summer, animals graze on the high mountain pastures. In the winter, they move to the warmer lowlands, known as garmsír. This cycle allows people to use different environments throughout the year. This movement is a direct response to the temperature changes in the high-altitude environment.

Australia features highlands that are often above an elevation of 500 meters. These areas frequently receive snowfall during the winter months. Many Australian highlands lead toward larger alpine or sub-alpine mountainous regions. These include the Australian Alps and the Snowy Mountains. The Great Dividing Range and the Blue Mountains are also significant. In Tasmania, the Central Highlands is the most mountainous region. It covers most of the central-western parts of the state and contains highly elevated alpine regions.

Highlands also support unique ecosystems and geological features. The Ozarks in North America cover nearly 100,000 square miles. This makes them the most extensive highland region between the Appalachians and the Rockies. This region contains some of the oldest rocks in North America. In Sri Lanka, the Central Highlands reach 2,500 meters above sea level. These areas contain montane and submontane moist forests. These rain forests are home to many rare species. Half of the endemic flowering plants in Sri Lanka live here. Additionally, 51 percent of the endemic vertebrates are restricted to this ecoregion.

In other parts of the world, highlands serve as important landmarks or stations. The Thai highlands are found in Northern Thailand. Malaysia has the Cameron Highlands, which serves as a highland area and hill station. In India, the state of Meghalaya contains Shillong. This is a hill station surrounded by highlands. During the era of the British Raj, officers called Shillong "The Scotland of the East." These locations often become important centers for people living in or visiting mountainous areas.

Highlands are not unique to Earth. Other planets possess highland continents, which are also called terrae. These areas consist of topographically unstable terrain. They feature high peaks and deep valleys. While they resemble Earth's highlands, the term applies to much larger areas on other worlds. Scientists have identified these highland regions on Mercury and Venus. They can also be found on Mars and the Moon. These planetary features help us understand the different surfaces of our solar system.