What are accretionary wedges?

Accretionary wedges are specifically associated with convergent plate boundaries, where one tectonic plate is forced beneath another in a process known as subduction. As the oceanic plate descends into the mantle, sediments that have accumulated on the ocean floor are scraped off and help form an accretionary wedge. This accumulation creates a thick, irregular landform made up of sediments and tectonic material that can be uplifted over time, leading to the formation of mountain ranges and other geological features.

The formation of these wedges is a direct result of the interactions between the colliding plates, where the compression and friction give rise to complex geological structures. Therefore, the correct characterization of accretionary wedges pertains to their location and formation processes at convergent boundaries, highlighting their role in sediment accumulation during tectonic activity.