Trench

A trench is a type of excavation or depression in the ground that is generally deeper than it is wide (as opposed to a wider gully or ditch), and narrow compared to its length (as opposed to a simple hole).

In geology, trenches are created as a result of erosion by rivers or by geological movement of tectonic plates. In the civil engineering field of construction or maintenance of infrastructure, trenches are created to install underground infrastructure or utilities (such as gas mains, water mains or telephone lines), or later to search for these installations. Trenches have often been dug for military defensive purposes. In archaeology, the "trench method" is used for searching and excavating ancient ruins or to dig into strata of sedimented material.

Types and uses

Geology

Some trenches are created as a result of erosion by running water or by glaciers (which may have long since disappeared). Others, such as rift valleys or more commonly oceanic trenches, are created by geological movement of tectonic plates. Some oceanic trenches include the Mariana Trench and the Aleutian Trench. The former geoform is relatively deep (approximately 10 kilometres (6.2 mi)), linear and narrow, and is formed by plate subduction when plates converge.

Trench (surname)

Trench is a surname.

The Trench family supposedly originated in County Galway, Ireland as descendants of Frederic de la Tranche, a 16th-century Huguenot immigrant from Normandy, and his wife Margaret Sutton, a possible Northumbrian. The peerage titles Baron Ashtown, Baron Kilconnel, Baron Trench, Earl of Clancarty, Marquess of Heusden and Viscount Dunlo have been held by various members.

People bearing the surname Trench

Trench (disambiguation)

A trench is a narrow depression in the ground.

Trench or Trenches may also refer to:

See also