what force is present at a transform boundary
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: The force present at a transform boundary is shear force.
Explanation:
A transform boundary is a type of plate boundary where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally. The dominant force acting at this boundary is called shear force. This force occurs when two surfaces move in opposite directions alongside each other, causing stress and deformation at the boundary.
Unlike convergent boundaries where plates collide or divergent boundaries where plates move apart, transform boundaries do not create or destroy lithosphere. Instead, they involve lateral motion, which generates significant friction between the plates. This friction can build up over time, causing stress to accumulate along faults.
A well-known example of a transform boundary is the San Andreas Fault in California. Here, the Pacific Plate is moving northwest relative to the North American Plate. Because of shear stress, rocks along the fault zone are slowly deformed until the stress exceeds the strength of the rocks. When this happens, the energy is released suddenly in the form of an earthquake.
The shear force also contributes to the formation of features such as fault lines, linear valleys, and offset landforms. These features are often visible at the surface where the transform motion has displaced roads, rivers, or even fences.
Shear stress at transform boundaries is responsible for much of the seismic activity experienced in regions located near these boundaries. Since the movement is not smooth but rather jerky due to friction, earthquakes tend to be common and sometimes severe.
In conclusion, the force responsible for movement at transform boundaries is shear force. This force causes the plates to grind against each other, which leads to earthquakes and creates visible geological features over time.
