ocean trenches

Ocean trenches are long, narrow, and extremely deep valleys in the Earth's ocean floors, formed where one tectonic plate is pulled underneath another in a process called subduction. They mark the planet's deepest points, with depths exceeding 11,000 meters (about 36,000 feet). These trenches play a crucial role in Earth's geological activity, influencing plate movements and earthquake occurrence. Examples include the Mariana Trench in the Pacific Ocean, the world's deepest. Despite their remote and extreme environment, trenches are vital for understanding Earth's geology and the dynamics of planetary processes.