Final answer:
The Columbia Plateau crosses the northern portion of the state and is known for its volcanic geology, formed from the activity of the Yellowstone Hotspot which also powers the geysers of Yellowstone National Park.
Step-by-step explanation:
The large elevated plateau that crosses the northern portion of the state is the Columbia Plateau. The Columbia Plateau is an extensive region dominated by volcanic rocks that are a result of the Yellowstone Hotspot's activity. Its landscape features are a testament to the significant volcanic eruptions from the hotspot, with the largest eruption covering an area of over 50,000 square miles. The Yellowstone Hotspot remains active today, powering the famous geysers and hot springs seen in Yellowstone National Park.Adjacent to the Columbia Plateau is the Colorado Plateau, known for its relatively undeformed expanse of horizontal sedimentary rocks rich in fossils. The Colorado Plateau underwent dramatic uplifts due to the Laramide Orogeny, which contributed to the formation of numerous canyons, including the Grand Canyon. Further southeast of the Columbia Plateau is the Basin and Range Province, characterized by the distinctive horsts and grabens landscape formed from extensional deformation and normal faults.