What type of landform is characterized by horizontal rock layers at high elevation?

The correct answer is plateaus, which are landforms characterized by relatively flat or gently sloping areas that have been elevated due to geological activity. Plateaus are often formed from volcanic activity or the erosion of sedimentary rocks, resulting in horizontal rock layers that can be observed at high elevations. This distinctive feature of having horizontal rock layers is a key characteristic that sets plateaus apart from other landforms.

In contrast, mountains typically have steep, rugged terrain and are characterized by complex structures that often include folded and faulted rock layers, rather than the horizontal layers found in plateaus. Plains, on the other hand, are low-lying areas with relatively flat terrain, usually found at lower elevations and often characterized by fertile soil rather than the distinct elevation that plateaus possess. Valleys are depressed areas located between hills or mountains, and while they may contain flat land at the bottom, they do not exhibit the high elevation and horizontal rock layers typical of plateaus.