Trough (geology)

In geology, a trough is a linear structural depression that extends laterally over a distance. Although it is less steep than a trench, a trough can be a narrow basin or a geologic rift. These features often form at the rim of tectonic plates. There are various oceanic troughs on the ocean floors.

For troughs created by glaciation, see Glacial trough.

Satellite image of the Cayman Trough

Bathymetric features of the Rockall Trough northwest of Scotland and Ireland

Examples of oceanic troughs

• Benue Trough
• Cayman Trough^[1]
• Hesperides Trough
• Kings Trough
• Mariana Trough
• Nankai Trough
• Northumberland Trough
• Okinawa Trough in the East China Sea
• Rockall Trough and others along the rift of the mid-oceanic ridge
• Salton Trough
• South Shetland Trough
• Suakin Trough^[2] in the Red Sea
• Timor Trough^[3]

See also

• Oceanic basin
• Thalweg
• Walker Lane