Final answer:
In a subduction zone, which is implied by the context of the question, one would mostly expect to see a volcano or a trench in the shaded ring-like area. These features arise from plate tectonic activities such as earthquakes and the rising of magma.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of geology and plate tectonics, the shaded ring-like area you're asking about is likely associated with subduction zones. In such areas, the most expected feature would be a volcano or a trench. This is because as one tectonic plate slides beneath another at a subduction zone, it causes earthquake activity and magma to rise, which can lead to volcanic formation. It is also where deep oceanic trenches are formed. You would not typically expect to see contacts (which refer to the boundary between different geological units) or heights (elevations) specifically associated with the 'shaded ring-like area' of a subduction zone, nor is a fault line or stretch a characteristic feature in this context.
However, discussing the specific details provided, like plotting the distance of earthquake foci from the trench and creating a cross-section, helps to visualize and understand the steepness of subduction zones. Also, considering the geologic features on maps and identifying plate boundaries are crucial steps in understanding the geological forces at work.