Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Transform faults are a type of tectonic plate boundary where two plates slide past each other horizontally. They are characterized by intense seismic activity and can result in earthquakes.
Related terms
Strike-slip fault: A strike-slip fault is a specific type of transform fault where the movement between plates occurs mainly in a horizontal direction.
Plate Tectonics: Plate tectonics refers to the theory that Earth's lithosphere is divided into several large plates that move and interact with each other.
Seismic Activity: Seismic activity refers to the occurrence of earthquakes or any vibrations caused by the movement of Earth's crust.