The type of climate plays an important role in the formation of plateaus found in various parts of the world. The climatic conditions determine the structure of plateaus. 

Considering the climatic conditions of the world as the basis, the plateaus are classified into the following parts:

1. Humid Plateau 

2. Arid Plateau 

3. Snowy Plateau

1. Humid Plateau: The plateaus with usually 50% humidity and good rainfall are called the Humid Plateaus. In these plateaus, the rivers are fast flowing, narrow and forceful. Thus, humid plateaus are eroded by them. This type of plateau includes Plateau of Cherrapunji, Plateau of Malagasy, Eastern Plateau of Australia, Plateau of Otago in New Zealand.

2. Arid Plateau: These plateaus are formed due to excessive amount of evaporation as compared to the rainfall. Most of the plateaus of this type are found on the Western edges of the continents near the Cancer and Capricorn Lines. This type of plateau includes Plateau of Tarim, Plateau of Potwar, Plateau of Gobi, Plateau of Sedaam.

3. Snowy Plateau: These plateaus are formed in the high latitudes or high regions and most of the part of these plateaus remains covered with snow round the year due to extreme cold. This type of plateau includes Plateau of Greenland, Plateaus of Antarctica and southern part of the plateau of Patagonia.