Case Study - Mariana Trench

Introduction of Mariana Trench

The Marianas Trench is formed when the 2 oceanic plates converge - the Pacific plate and the Philippines plate. When the Pacific plate is subducted under the Philippines plate, the Marianas Trench is formed.

It is currently estimated to be up to 10,971 m deep

Facts
At the bottom of the trench, where the plates meet, the water column above exerts a pressure of 1,086 bars (15,750 psi), over one thousand times the standard atmospheric pressure at sea level.

The Mariana Trench is the deepest trench in the world.

It is part of the Izu-Bonin-Mariana Arc geological boundary system that forms the boundary between two tectonic plates.

It could be a possible disposal site for nuclear waste


Pictures of Mariana Trench





Reflections
We learnt more about the landforms formed as a result of subduction of two oceanic plates. We discovered more about Mariana Trench and it was indeed an eye-opening experience for us. We hope to continue to learn more about geography in the near future.

O_O Converge Case Study

Oceanic + Oceanic Plate Convergence


What happens?

When two oceanic plates converge, the heavier and denser oceanic plate will be subducted under the lighter and less dense oceanic plate. As the oceanic plate subducts, a long and narrow depression is formed. This depression is known as an oceanic trench. As the oceanic plate undergoes subduction, there will also be partial melting of the plate due to friction with the overriding plate and heat from beneath and magma will be produced. The magma will escape through breaks or fractures in the Earth's surface to form subduction volcanoes on the Earth's surface.

Examples

The Marianas Trench is found in the Pacific Ocean and is 11,033 m deep. The Marianas Trench is formed when the 2 oceanic plates converge - the Pacific plate and the Philippines plate. When the Pacific plate is subducted under the Philippines plate, the Marianas Trench is formed.