Here's why:
* Mesa: "Mesa" is Spanish for "table," and these landforms look like flat-topped tables with steep cliffs on all sides.
* Plateau: A plateau is a large, flat area of land that is raised above the surrounding land. While a plateau can have steep sides, it doesn't necessarily have to be flat on top.
* Butte: A butte is similar to a mesa, but it's smaller and more pointed.
Let me know if you have any other questions!