Transform Boundary Definition
A transform boundary is where two plates slide past each other. For example, a transform boundary can cause major earthquakes as Earth's crust shifts.
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Tectonic Plates
Fun Facts
- There are more than 20,000 earthquakes that happen on Earth each year.
- The San Andreas fault is a transform boundary with a history of major earthquakes.
- Transform boundaries can cause the ground to shake from plates locking and releasing.
Why Do We Need To Know About Transform Boundary
Learning about transform boundaries helps us know how the Earth’s surface changes and why it’s important to study these changes to predict natural disasters. Scientists who study earthquakes, called seismologists, use this information to make early warning systems. These systems can save many lives and reduce damage to buildings.
Knowing about transform boundaries is key not just for predicting earthquakes, but for understanding when volcanoes might erupt. This information is very important for keeping people safe and planning cities. It shows how studying Earth sciences has a big impact on our lives and why jobs in this field are important.
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