Transform boundaries are characterized by which type of fault?

Transform boundaries are characterized by strike-slip faults, where tectonic plates slide past one another horizontally. This movement occurs primarily due to shear stress, which results from the lateral motion of the plates. In a strike-slip fault, the rocks on either side of the fault line move sideways with little to no vertical movement, differentiating it from other fault types.

The movement along strike-slip faults is typically associated with earthquakes, as the two plates may become locked due to friction until the stress exceeds the frictional forces, leading to a sudden release of energy. This type of fault can produce significant seismic activity, especially in regions located along transform boundaries, such as the San Andreas Fault in California.

Understanding the nature of strike-slip faults is essential for recognizing the geological processes that occur at transform boundaries, as well as their implications for regional geology and geology-related hazards.