The Tharsis region of Mars was most likely formed
A) from sediment that piled up due to past water erosion
B) by plate tectonics
C) by a plume of molten mantle material rising to the surface forming a bulge
D) from compressions in the Martian crust as the planet cooled and contracted

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Tharsis region of Mars is a massive volcanic plateau that consists of several large shield volcanoes that are among the largest in the solar system. It is thought that Tharsis was formed by a plume of molten mantle material rising to the surface, creating a bulge that formed the plateau. The region is not known to have been formed by sediment or plate tectonics, and although cooling and contraction did occur on Mars, it was not a significant factor in the formation of Tharsis.

The Tharsis Region of Mars Was Most Likely Formed