| Mid-oceanic-ridges (MOR) form a ~55,000 km long mountain belt standing ~1500 m above the average depth of seafloor. This belt applies a large horizontal force directed from the MOR to the abyssal plains and continents. MORs are in dynamic equilibrium, supported by the continuous production of new oceanic crust by partial melting of the underlying mantle.
Continental margins are also linear zones associated with large contrasts in elevation. The Andes stand in average ~8000m above the adjacent abyssal plain. The large contrast in gravitational potential energy produces a gravitational force directed from the continent towards the oceanic basin. The Andes are also in dynamic equilibrium supported by the convergence of the South American and Nazca plates.
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