A transform plate boundary isn't what it sounds like. Transform plate boundaries are where the lithospheric plates slide past one another along vertical fractures experiencing shear stress (Oskin). These fractures are called faults, and when the plates move parallel on either side we call them strike-slip faults. We call them transform faults because this lateral movement "transforms" into a fault that has different motions along the same fault plane. Transform plate boundaries may connect converging or diverging plate boundaries. In fact, one of the causes of transform plate boundaries is thought to be divergent plate boundaries. When divergent plate boundaries have a slightly curved line, the tectonic forces will break the curved part of the boundary into a series of pieces ("Types of Plate Boundaries"). Transform plate boundaries form parallel to the spreading direction between the segments.
Transform
A transform plate boundary isn't what it sounds like. Transform plate boundaries are where the lithospheric plates slide past one another along vertical fractures experiencing shear stress (Oskin). These fractures are called faults, and when the plates move parallel on either side we call them strike-slip faults. We call them transform faults because this lateral movement "transforms" into a fault that has different motions along the same fault plane. Transform plate boundaries may connect converging or diverging plate boundaries. In fact, one of the causes of transform plate boundaries is thought to be divergent plate boundaries. When divergent plate boundaries have a slightly curved line, the tectonic forces will break the curved part of the boundary into a series of pieces ("Types of Plate Boundaries"). Transform plate boundaries form parallel to the spreading direction between the segments.
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A transform plate boundary isn't what it sounds like. Transform plate boundaries are where the lithospheric plates slide past one another along vertical fractures experiencing shear stress (Oskin). These fractures are called faults, and when the plates move parallel on either side we call them strike-slip faults. We call them transform faults because this lateral movement "transforms" into a fault that has different motions along the same fault plane. Transform plate boundaries may connect converging or diverging plate boundaries. In fact, one of the causes of transform plate boundaries is thought to be divergent plate boundaries. When divergent plate boundaries have a slightly curved line, the tectonic forces will break the curved part of the boundary into a series of pieces ("Types of Plate Boundaries"). Transform plate boundaries form parallel to the spreading direction between the segments.