How do earthquakes happen along transform plate boundaries?
Quick Answer
Two plates slide past each other, but friction can lock them together. Stress builds until the rocks suddenly slip, releasing energy as an earthquake.
The Full Story
At transform boundaries, tectonic plates move horizontally past one another. Although the motion is ongoing, friction along the fault can keep parts of the boundary stuck for years or decades. While locked, the plates continue to deform the surrounding rock and store elastic energy. When the stress becomes too great, the fault slips suddenly and produces seismic waves. The San Andreas Fault in California is the best-known example of this kind of boundary.
Key Facts
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"How two tectonic plates grind past each other and suddenly snap"
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