Which of the following accurately summarizes what happens at a transform boundary when the two plates interact?
The two plates move away from each other, causing the ground to give way, which causes earthquakes.
The two plates slide into each other and cause mountains to form when they collide.
The two plates collide into each other causing earthquakes.
The two plates slide along each other in opposite directions, causing earthquakes.
The correct answer is: The two plates slide along each other in opposite directions, causing earthquakes.
At a transform boundary, tectonic plates move horizontally past one another. This lateral movement can create significant stress and friction, which often results in earthquakes when the stress is released. Transform boundaries do not create or destroy crust, so they do not typically form mountains or trenches, unlike convergent or divergent boundaries.