Here's why:

* Lateral Movement: Transform boundaries are characterized by the lateral sliding of two tectonic plates past each other. This movement is horizontal, unlike the convergent or divergent boundaries where plates collide or pull apart.

* Friction and Stress: The movement at transform boundaries is not smooth. The plates grind against each other, causing friction and building up stress along the fault line.

* Release of Energy: Eventually, the stress becomes too great, and the plates abruptly slip past each other. This sudden release of energy is what creates earthquakes.

Other geological features associated with transform plate boundaries:

* Fault Zones: Transform boundaries are marked by prominent fault zones, which are areas of broken and fractured rock.

* Linear Features: The movement along the fault creates linear features on the Earth's surface, such as offset streams, ridges, and valleys.

Example: The San Andreas Fault in California is a classic example of a transform plate boundary. The Pacific Plate is moving northward past the North American Plate, causing frequent earthquakes along the fault line.