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Earth Systems 3209: Unit: 4
Earth Systems 3209: Unit: 4
Earth Systems 3209: Unit: 4
Unit: 4
The Forces Within Earth
Reference:
Chapters 4, 15, 16, 19; Appendix A & B
Focus on . . .
describing a transform boundary.
drawing a transform boundary which demonstrates the
relative motion associated with this boundary.
Transform Boundary
A transform plate boundary is characterized by two
plates grinding past one another without the
construction or destruction of crust.
Convection currents exert shear forces on opposing
plates forcing them to slide past one another.
Lithosphere is neither created or destroyed at these
boundaries.
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Plate Boundaries
Transform Boundary
This type of plate boundary was discovered by J. Tuzo Wilson.
Wilson proposed the existence of transform faults to explain the
numerous narrow fracture zones and earthquakes found in the
crust.
He realized that ridges at divergent plate boundaries were not
perfectly linear and came to understand that transform faults
exist where segments of ridges are offset (see below).
Most transform faults occur where Transform Fault
oceanic ridges are offset on the
sea floor.
Fracture Zone
Oceanic Ridge
(spreading center)
Question:
Which occurs at a transform plate boundary?
Question: