An oceanic trench can also be referred to as a deep-sea trench, a submarine canyon, or a marine abyss. These geological formations are the deepest parts of the ocean floor, often reaching depths of over 6,000 meters. Oceanic trenches are formed when one tectonic plate is subducted beneath another, causing the ocean floor to fold and sink. These trenches are home to a variety of unique marine life, including deep-sea creatures such as anglerfish, giant squid, and tube worms. Due to their extreme depth, oceanic trenches are also important research sites for studying seismology, plate tectonics, and oceanography.