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The San Andreas Fault in California is a transform fault. In a transform fault, two lithospheric plates are grinding alongside each other in different directions. Friction between the plates causes points along the fault to get 'hung up'. When the friction between the plates exceeds the maximum elasticity of the rock, the tension is released, the plates snap into their new positions, and an earthquake occurs.

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Related Questions

What kinda fault is the most common in the san Andreas fault system?

Strike-Slip fault is the most common fault type in the San Andreas fault system.


Which type of location is earthquake risk the greattest?

On a fault line. For example, California is on the San Andreas fault, and as such is very earthquake prone.


What is the most common fault type?

The most common type of fault is a strike-slip fault, where two blocks of rock move horizontally past each other. This type of fault is often associated with transform plate boundaries, such as the San Andreas Fault in California.


Which fault moves ground horizontally?

A strike-slip fault moves ground horizontally. This type of fault occurs when rocks on either side of the fault slide past each other horizontally. The San Andreas Fault in California is a well-known example of a strike-slip fault.


What type of fault is the 1994 Northridge earthquake on?

It is a THRUST fault The San Andreas Fault


What type of boundary is marked by the san Andreas fault in California?

The San Andreas Fault in California is a transform boundary. It represents the boundary between the North American Plate and the Pacific Plate, where the plates slide horizontally past each other. This movement can cause earthquakes due to the built-up tension along the fault line.


Which type of fault is the most common in the san andrears fault system?

Strike-slip faults are the most common fault type around the San Andreas Fault.


What type boundary is the San Andreas Fault?

It is a right-lateral strike-slip fault


What type of fault is caused by shearing San Andres fault in California?

A transverse fault


What type of fault is san Andreas is?

Transform Boundary


What type of late movement has created the San Andreas Fault in California?

Platetectonics, from the pacific going down under the u.s.


What type of fault results from horizontal shearing between plates?

A strike-slip fault is formed from horizontal shearing between plates. This type of fault occurs when the plates move past each other horizontally in opposite directions. Examples include the San Andreas Fault in California.