Which movement is common at transform boundaries?

Which movement is common at transform boundaries?

• A. Plates collide
• B. Plates separate
• C. Plates slide past each other
• D. Plates rotate

Answer: (C)

At transform boundaries, the primary movement involves tectonic plates sliding past each other horizontally. This lateral movement occurs as the plates move in opposite directions or at different speeds along faults. The friction that develops between the plates can lead to stress accumulation until it is released in the form of earthquakes. This distinctive sliding motion is critical for understanding how transform boundaries contribute to seismic activity. In contrast, the other movements described—collisions, separations, or rotations—are characteristic of different types of tectonic boundaries, such as convergent or divergent boundaries. This emphasizes the unique nature of transform boundaries in the context of plate tectonics.

At transform boundaries, the primary movement involves tectonic plates sliding past each other horizontally. This lateral movement occurs as the plates move in opposite directions or at different speeds along faults. The friction that develops between the plates can lead to stress accumulation until it is released in the form of earthquakes. This distinctive sliding motion is critical for understanding how transform boundaries contribute to seismic activity. In contrast, the other movements described—collisions, separations, or rotations—are characteristic of different types of tectonic boundaries, such as convergent or divergent boundaries. This emphasizes the unique nature of transform boundaries in the context of plate tectonics.