What type of boundary occurs when two tectonic plates move horizontally past each other?

The correct answer is the type of boundary that occurs when two tectonic plates move horizontally past each other, known as a transform boundary. This boundary is characterized by the lateral movement of plates, which can cause significant geological activity, such as earthquakes. An example of a transform boundary is the San Andreas Fault in California, where the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate slide past one another.

At a transform boundary, the interaction between the plates does not involve either colliding or pulling apart but rather shearing, which leads to friction that can build up over time. When this accumulated energy is suddenly released, it results in seismic events. This distinguishes transform boundaries from convergent and divergent boundaries, which involve plates that either collide or move apart, respectively, leading to different geological features and activities. Understanding the characteristics of transform boundaries is crucial for studying the Earth's tectonic processes and their impact on seismic activity.