The origins of which of the following are less well understood than the other features on the list?
A) ocean trenches
B) ocean ridges
C) mountains in the middle of plates
D) convergent plate boundaries
E) divergent plate boundaries

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The origins of mountains in the middle of plates (also known as intraplate mountains) are less well understood than the other features on the list because they do not occur at plate boundaries where there is obvious tectonic activity. The formation of intraplate mountains is thought to be due to a variety of processes including mantle plumes, lithospheric thinning, and crustal shortening, but these processes are not yet fully understood. In contrast, the origins of ocean trenches, ocean ridges, convergent plate boundaries, and divergent plate boundaries are generally well understood based on the theory of plate tectonics.

The Origins of Which of the Following Are Less Well