Consider the following statements regarding Transform plate boundaries:
1. It creates or destroys the lithosphere as plates slide horizontally.
2. It causes shallow earthquakes and lateral rock displacement.

Which of the above statements are correct :
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Question

Consider the following statements regarding Transform plate boundaries:
1. It creates or destroys the lithosphere as plates slide horizontally.
2. It causes shallow earthquakes and lateral rock displacement.

Which of the above statements are correct :
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

Statement 1 is not correct: Where tectonic plates slide horizontally past one another, the lithosphere is neither created nor destroyed. Instead, blocks of crust are torn apart in a broad zone of shearing between the two plates. Such boundaries are called transform plate boundaries because they connect other plate boundaries in various combinations, transforming the site of plate motion.

Statement 2 is correct: The grinding action between the plates at a transform plate boundary results in shallow earthquakes, large lateral displacement of rock, and a broad zone of crustal deformation.

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Transform Plate Boundaries

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M Question 1	⏱ 0
Consider the following statements regarding Transform plate boundaries: 1. It creates or destroys the lithosphere as plates slide horizontally. 2. It causes shallow earthquakes and lateral rock displacement. Which of the above statements are correct : (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2