The transform plate boundaries
A) form new material at rates exceeding that of the divergent plate boundaries.
B) are the location of island arcs and hot spots.
C) created the Andes Mountains in South America.
D) are exemplified by the San Andreas fault.
E) are sites of major volcano ranges.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The San Andreas fault is an example of a transform plate boundary, where two plates are sliding past each other horizontally.

Note: None of the other choices are correct. Choice A is incorrect because transform plate boundaries do not create new material. Choice B is incorrect because island arcs are formed at convergent plate boundaries, and hot spots are formed over plumes of magma rising from the mantle. Choice C is incorrect because the Andes Mountains were formed by a convergent plate boundary. Choice E is incorrect because volcano ranges are commonly found at convergent or divergent plate boundaries, but not necessarily at transform plate boundaries.

The Transform Plate Boundaries