What geological feature is created at a convergent boundary between two oceanic plates?

Master Plate Tectonics Test with flashcards and multiple choice questions, including hints and explanations. Prepare for your exam efficiently!

At a convergent boundary between two oceanic plates, the primary geological feature that is created is deep trenches. This occurs when one oceanic plate is subducted beneath another, leading to a process where the denser plate sinks into the mantle. This subduction creates a deep trench at the point where the two plates meet. These trenches can be some of the deepest parts of the ocean, such as the Mariana Trench, which is a direct result of this plate interaction.

In contrast, mountain ranges are typically formed at convergent boundaries between continental plates or when one continental plate collides with an oceanic plate. Rift valleys are features associated with divergent boundaries, where tectonic plates are moving apart, allowing for the formation of valleys. Continental shields, on the other hand, refer to large areas of exposed ancient rock that have been stable and are not specifically formed by the interactions of tectonic plates at convergent boundaries. Thus, the formation of deep trenches is a distinctive characteristic of the subduction process occurring at convergent boundaries involving oceanic plates.

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