* Two plates slide past each other horizontally: Unlike divergent or convergent boundaries, transform boundaries involve plates moving in opposite directions along a mostly vertical fault line. This creates a zone of intense friction.
* No creation or destruction of lithosphere: Unlike divergent boundaries where new crust is formed, or convergent boundaries where crust is destroyed, transform boundaries primarily involve the sliding of existing lithosphere.
* Earthquakes: The friction between the plates builds up immense stress. When this stress is released, it causes earthquakes, often very powerful ones. The San Andreas Fault in California is a prime example of a transform plate boundary and a major earthquake zone.
* No volcanic activity: As there is no creation or destruction of lithosphere, volcanic activity is rare along transform boundaries.
In essence, transform plate boundaries are areas of intense horizontal movement, leading to earthquakes but not volcanic activity.
