Great Plateau overview

The Great Plateau, where the story begins, appears to be a formation vertically offset from the rest of Hyrule by several thousand meters. The author acknowledges that Hyrule should not be considered part of the Earth system, although some geologic features resemble those studied by geologists on Earth. Therefore, field geology of Hyrule aims to describe and interpret  lithologies, structures, and topographies that are unique to the regions of Hyrule. Contributions from geologists, geographers, biologists, ecologists, and experts in Hyrule mythology are welcome. 

Initial field excursions in the temperate, low elevation regions of the Great Plateau suggest glacial influence. Evidence includes small kettle ponds, boulders (drop stones), striations, rolling hills, and soil development sufficient to support large trees and grasses. Glaciers moving across a landscape leave these features behind as ice and rocks carve channels and pocks across the ground, and deposit boulders as they retreat. The absence of small stream channels is notable; isolated ponds appear at different elevations, suggesting a combination of recent glacial retreat, low groundwater flow, low evaporation, and steady input from precipitation. Rocks from other localities may be present as evidence of the glacier’s long distance path. Formation of glaciers may be supported by the drastic elevation difference between the Great Plateau and the rest of Hyrule, assuming an atmosphere that cools with ascent. This is a safe assumption, for now, given that the Mount Hylia region is both higher in elevation and lower in temperature than its surroundings. 

Additional geologic and historical context from the areas around the Plateau are needed to better assess the conditions of its formation and its relationship to structures found elsewhere. Biology can also help elucidate the possible connections and history of the Plateau; are species endemic to the Plateau? What degrees of divergent evolution can be seen between Plateau flora and fauna, and those in other regions? (No spoilers, please.)

It is clear that geological interpretation of Hyrule from an Earth geomorphology perspective will be challenging. Previous work describes volcanism and evidence for earthquakes in landscapes seen in Breath of the Wild and others; this study will take a holistic approach to new observations from the field.