What geological feature is formed by tectonic convergence and is often elevated?

The geological feature formed by tectonic convergence and often characterized by elevation is the folded mountain belts. These mountain ranges are created as a result of tectonic plates colliding and pushing against each other, which causes the Earth's crust to fold and thruster upwards. This process is known as orogeny and results in the formation of complex geological structures, such as anticlines and synclines.

Folded mountains are generally associated with convergent plate boundaries, where the compressive forces lead to significant deformation of the crust. This contrasts with other geological features listed in the options, as volcanic islands are typically associated with hot spots or divergent boundaries, oceanic ridges are formed primarily at divergent boundaries where tectonic plates are separating, and plains represent relatively flat areas that are not typically formed by tectonic convergence. The elevation characteristic of folded mountain belts is a definitive result of the intense pressure and stress from converging tectonic plates.