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Glite Dictionary
Japan Trench

Japan Trench

6.7
A very deep part of the Pacific Ocean northeast of Japan about 9,000 meters deep
  • proper noun
translation icon : fosa de Japón
  • The Japan Trench is one of the deepest parts of the ocean.

Examples

  • Tsunamis affecting Japan have often originated near the Japan Trench.

  • Oceanographers recently explored the extreme depths of the Japan Trench.

  • The Japan Trench is known for some of the strongest earthquakes in history.

  • Have you ever heard of the Japan Trench?

  • Oceanographers recently explored the extreme depths of the Japan Trench.

  • The Japan Trench is known for some of the strongest earthquakes in history.

  • Tsunamis affecting Japan have often originated near the Japan Trench.

Surface Forms

Japan Trench main

Morphology

Japan + trench

The compound is a straightforward locative naming pattern: 'Japan' specifies the location and 'trench' names a deep ocean depression. A B1 learner who knows both words can infer it refers to a deep ocean trench near Japan, a compositional and cross-linguistically common construction.

Etymology

Japan Trench comes from the image of a long, very deep trench in the sea next to Japan, like a huge 'ditch' on the ocean floor. Because this deep place is where the sea floor can slip and move, the Japan Trench is connected to strong earthquakes and tsunamis today.