Plate Boundary on Map of South Atlantic: Transform Fault

Which letter on the map of the South Atlantic represents a transform fault?

A. A

B. B

C. C

D. D

Answer:

The correct answer is B. B.

On the map of the South Atlantic, the letter B represents a transform fault at a plate boundary. A fault at a plate boundary is referred to as a transform fault or transform boundary when the movement is mainly horizontal. Transform faults come to an abrupt end when they meet another plate boundary, which could be a spreading ridge, a subduction zone, or another transform boundary.

Transform faults, which are a type of strike-slip fault, are primarily located in the oceanic crust and allow for lateral offset between segments of divergent boundaries. This lateral movement creates a zigzag pattern as it is not in line with the overall trend of the diverging boundary. This type of motion is the result of oblique seafloor spreading.