Answer
Two characteristics that differentiate transform faults from the two other types of plate boundaries (divergent and convergent boundaries) are:
1. Plate Motion: Transform faults involve horizontal sliding motion between two tectonic plates. The plates move parallel to each other but in opposite directions. In contrast, divergent boundaries involve plates moving away from each other, creating new crust, while convergent boundaries involve plates colliding or subducting beneath one another.
2. Lack of Crustal Creation or Destruction: Unlike divergent and convergent boundaries where new crust is created or destroyed, respectively, transform faults do not involve significant crustal formation or destruction. The primary activity along transform faults is the release of accumulated stress through earthquakes, rather than the creation or subduction of crust.
These characteristics make transform faults distinct in terms of their plate motion and the geological processes occurring along them.
Work Step by Step
Two characteristics that differentiate transform faults from the two other types of plate boundaries (divergent and convergent boundaries) are:
1. Plate Motion: Transform faults involve horizontal sliding motion between two tectonic plates. The plates move parallel to each other but in opposite directions. In contrast, divergent boundaries involve plates moving away from each other, creating new crust, while convergent boundaries involve plates colliding or subducting beneath one another.
2. Lack of Crustal Creation or Destruction: Unlike divergent and convergent boundaries where new crust is created or destroyed, respectively, transform faults do not involve significant crustal formation or destruction. The primary activity along transform faults is the release of accumulated stress through earthquakes, rather than the creation or subduction of crust.
These characteristics make transform faults distinct in terms of their plate motion and the geological processes occurring along them.
