What type of plate boundary is typically associated with sliding or shear forces?

Answer 1

Sliding or shear forces are typically associated with a transform plate boundary. A transform plate boundary, also known as a conservative plate boundary, occurs when two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally in opposite directions. As the plates move, they generate shear forces that result in lateral displacement along the boundary.

Transform plate boundaries are characterized by prominent fault lines, such as strike-slip faults, where the movement of the plates is predominantly horizontal. The San Andreas Fault in California, USA, is a well-known example of a transform plate boundary.

Unlike convergent boundaries (where plates collide) or divergent boundaries (where plates move apart), transform boundaries primarily accommodate horizontal displacement and exhibit intense shear stress. These boundaries do not typically involve significant volcanic or mountain-building activities but are primarily responsible for earthquakes caused by the release of accumulated stress along the fault lines.

Answer 2

The answer is transform.