Why is the arctic archipelago so “split up”

Question

The arctic archipelago is not located along any plate boundaries so can someone explain why it is made up of so many seeming smaller islands instead of a big landmass.

In: Geology

Answer 1

It’s one big landmass, which on average is below current sea levels. The islands you’re seeing are just the tips of the mountains on that landmass, and the valleys are low enough as to be below water.