Boundary A is a transform boundary. The arrows below the BOUNDARY A label will move the plates. Click the left arrow once to see how the plates move.

Question

How would you describe the motion of plates in a transform boundary?

Answer 1

In a transform boundary, the plates move laterally past each other horizontally. This movement is characterized by shear stress, causing the plates to slide alongside one another rather than converging or diverging. As a result of this lateral motion, transform boundaries often generate earthquakes along faults where the plates interact, as the stress builds up and is released. Unlike divergent or convergent boundaries, there is no significant vertical movement at transform boundaries.