The provided text offers an extensive overview of the Columbia Plateau, describing it as a significant geologic and geographic region spanning parts of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. It explains that the plateau is a wide flood basalt plateau formed by massive lava flows during the late Miocene and early Pliocene, resulting in the Columbia River Basalt Group which accumulated to thicknesses over 6,000 feet. The source also discusses the geology further, suggesting the formation is linked to a stationary hot spot beneath the moving North American plate, with evidence found in the fossil-bearing lake beds created by the lava flow. Additionally, the text lists various cities and towns within the three states that are located on the plateau and notes its association with the Columbia Plateau ecoregion.

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