Science Olympiad Dynamic Planet Practice Test

What geological feature is formed as a result of two tectonic plates colliding?

1. Mid-ocean ridges

2. Trenches

3. Fault lines

4. Plateaus

The correct answer is: Trenches

The formation of trenches occurs as a result of two tectonic plates colliding, particularly in cases where one plate is subjected beneath another, a process known as subduction. This typically happens at convergent boundaries where an oceanic plate converges with either another oceanic plate or a continental plate. As the denser oceanic plate sinks into the mantle, it creates a deep trench in the ocean floor, which can be outlined by the surrounding geological activity such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. In contrast, mid-ocean ridges, fault lines, and plateaus form under different conditions or processes. Mid-ocean ridges are formed at divergent boundaries where tectonic plates move apart, leading to seafloor spreading. Fault lines develop along transform boundaries where plates slide past each other horizontally. Plateaus result from uplift and volcanic activity, typically away from tectonic plate boundaries. Understanding the context of these formations highlights how distinct geological processes shape the Earth's crust in various ways.