What geological structure results from the downwarping of strata?

The correct answer is basins, which are geological structures characterized by the downwarping of strata. This downwarping process leads to a depressional feature in the Earth's crust, where the surrounding rock layers slope inward toward a central area. Basins can be formed by various geological processes, including tectonic forces, subsidence, or erosion that creates a low-lying area capable of accumulating sediments.

In contrast, a dome represents an uplifted geological structure, where the strata arch upward, creating a convex shape. The axial trace is the line that represents the intersection of the surface with the fold's axis but does not relate to downwarping itself. An outcrop refers to a visible exposure of bedrock or superficial deposits on the surface, and it does not specifically denote a structural feature resulting from downwarping. Understanding these distinctions provides clarity on how geological processes shape the Earth's surface and contribute to diverse landforms.