Question map
Which of the following statements is/are correct ? 1. Oceanic trenches are very significant in the study of plate movements 2. Oceanic trenches are associated with active volcanoes and strong earthquakes Select the answer using the code given below :
Explanation
Oceanic trenches are critical features in plate tectonics, marking the locations where oceanic lithosphere is subducted into the mantle [4]. Statement 1 is correct because trenches are fundamental indicators of convergent plate boundaries, providing essential evidence for the study of plate movements and the recycling of the Earth's crust [5]. Statement 2 is also correct as trenches are formed during ocean-ocean or ocean-continent convergence, where the subducting plate generates intense friction and pressure [4]. This process results in the world's largest and most destructive earthquakes, as well as the formation of explosive volcanic arcs or island chains parallel to the trench [5]. For instance, the Peru-Chile trench and the Mariana Trench are classic examples where subduction leads to significant seismic and volcanic activity [5].
Sources
- [1] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 8: Convergent Boundary > 8.2. Continent-Ocean (C-O) Convergence or The Cordilleran Convergence > p. 116
- [4] FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 12: Water (Oceans) > Oceanic Deeps or Trenches > p. 102
- [5] https://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/dynamic/understanding.html
- [3] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 31: Ocean Relief > Oceanic Deeps or Trenches > p. 482