What term describes the boundary where two tectonic plates slide horizontally past one another?

What term describes the boundary where two tectonic plates slide horizontally past one another?

• A. Transform boundary
• B. Divergent boundary
• C. Convergent boundary
• D. Mantle boundary

Answer: (A)

The boundary where two tectonic plates slide horizontally past one another is a transform boundary. Movement along this boundary is mainly lateral along faults, causing earthquakes as rocks grind past each other and store up stress that is released when they slip. This contrasts with divergent boundaries, where plates move apart and new crust forms, and convergent boundaries, where plates collide and one may be forced under another or push upward to build mountains. The term mantle boundary isn’t used to describe plate-to-plate motion. A well-known example is the San Andreas Fault, where the Pacific and North American plates slide past one another.

The boundary where two tectonic plates slide horizontally past one another is a transform boundary. Movement along this boundary is mainly lateral along faults, causing earthquakes as rocks grind past each other and store up stress that is released when they slip. This contrasts with divergent boundaries, where plates move apart and new crust forms, and convergent boundaries, where plates collide and one may be forced under another or push upward to build mountains. The term mantle boundary isn’t used to describe plate-to-plate motion. A well-known example is the San Andreas Fault, where the Pacific and North American plates slide past one another.