Which of the following describes how and where a trench forms in a plate tectonic setting?

Question

A.
A trench results from rifting and forms outside the rift on whichever plate is lower in elevation.
B.
A trench results from rifting and forms outside the rift on whichever plate is higher in elevation.
C.
A trench results from subduction and forms in the volcanic arc on the overriding plate.
D.
A trench results from subduction and forms on the ocean floor where the two plates meet.

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

D. A trench results from subduction and forms on the ocean floor where the two plates meet.

Trenches are formed at subduction zones, which are locations where one tectonic plate is being forced under another. This process creates deep oceanic trenches on the ocean floor.