Which boundary type is characterized by sliding movement of plates past one another, often causing earthquakes?

Which boundary type is characterized by sliding movement of plates past one another, often causing earthquakes?

• A. Divergent boundaries
• B. Subduction zones
• C. Transform boundaries
• D. Convergent boundaries

Answer: (C)

Transform boundaries involve sliding movement of plates past one another along faults. This horizontal motion causes friction as the rocks grind against each other, so stress builds up until the rocks rupture and slip suddenly, releasing energy as earthquakes. That steady build-and-slip pattern is what makes earthquakes a defining feature of transform boundaries, and there is usually little volcanic activity along these faults. For example, the San Andreas Fault in California illustrates this boundary type well. Divergent boundaries occur when plates move apart and new crust forms at mid-ocean ridges or rift valleys. Convergent boundaries involve plates colliding, leading to mountain building or subduction of one plate beneath another, which can produce deep earthquakes and volcanic activity. Subduction zones are a specific kind of convergent boundary where one plate sinks beneath another.

Transform boundaries involve sliding movement of plates past one another along faults. This horizontal motion causes friction as the rocks grind against each other, so stress builds up until the rocks rupture and slip suddenly, releasing energy as earthquakes. That steady build-and-slip pattern is what makes earthquakes a defining feature of transform boundaries, and there is usually little volcanic activity along these faults. For example, the San Andreas Fault in California illustrates this boundary type well.

Divergent boundaries occur when plates move apart and new crust forms at mid-ocean ridges or rift valleys. Convergent boundaries involve plates colliding, leading to mountain building or subduction of one plate beneath another, which can produce deep earthquakes and volcanic activity. Subduction zones are a specific kind of convergent boundary where one plate sinks beneath another.