The San Andreas fault is an example of what kind of fault?

The San Andreas fault is classified as a transform fault, which is characterized by two tectonic plates sliding past one another horizontally. This type of fault primarily occurs at plate boundaries where the motion is lateral rather than vertical. Transform faults are critical in understanding the movement of tectonic plates and are often associated with earthquakes due to the build-up of stress from the friction between the sliding plates.

The San Andreas fault specifically marks the boundary between the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate. Over time, the movement along this fault has led to significant geological activity, including numerous earthquakes, making it one of the most studied fault lines in the world. The classification as a transform fault helps geologists predict potential seismic activity and understand the tectonic dynamics of the region.