An ocean trench is a deep, narrow depression in the ocean floor, formed by tectonic plate movements. These trenches are typically found at convergent boundaries, where one plate is forced under another, a process known as subduction. The deepest part of the ocean, the Mariana Trench, is an example, reaching depths of about 36,000 feet (10,973 meters). Ocean trenches play a crucial role in the Earth's geology and ecology. They are home to unique ecosystems and species adapted to extreme conditions, such as high pressure and low temperatures. Additionally, trenches are important for understanding earthquakes and volcanic activity, as they are often associated with these geological phenomena.