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Question

Following four figures show map views of transform faults. Which two of the four figures show the correct sense of relative movement?

The correct answer is
B and C

To determine which two figures correctly show the sense of relative movement across transform faults, we should review the concept of transform faults and tectonic plate movement.

Transform Faults:

  • Transform faults occur where two tectonic plates slide past one another horizontally.
  • The movement along these faults is typically horizontal, with plates moving in opposite directions.

Let's analyze each figure:

  1. Figure A: The arrows indicate movement away from each other on the opposite sides of the fault. This implies extensional movement, not typical for transform faults.
  2. Figure B: The arrows indicate leftward movement on the top side and rightward movement on the bottom side, which is characteristic of a left-lateral transform fault.
  3. Figure C: The arrows on opposite sides exhibit a similar pattern, with movement towards each other in a horizontal manner, which also illustrates left-lateral transform fault movement.
  4. Figure D: The arrows suggest compressional forces, which is not typical of transform faults, as they do not usually involve significant compressional or extensional stresses.

Conclusion: Figures B and C correctly illustrate the sense of relative movement typical for transform faults, where the motion is dominantly horizontal and lateral.

Hence, the correct answer is B and C.

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Important Questions from Plate Tectonics

  1. The Paleo-Tethys Sea once separated
  2. Andean-type mountain belts form in
  3. Which of the following rock suits generally characterizes a plate boundary?
  4. In the table given below, indentify the correct pair
    Plate boundary TypeExample
    A.Oceanic DivergentF.San Andreas fault
    B.Continental DivergentG.Himalaya
    C.Oceanic-Continental convergenceH.Mid Atlantic Ridge
    D.Continent-Continent convergenceI.East African Rift
    E.TransformJ.Andes
  5. Which of the following processes is not related to plate tectonics?
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