Science Olympiad Dynamic Planet Practice Test

What happens to rocks at transform margins as they grind past each other?

1. They are newly formed

2. They are pulverized

3. They become softer

4. They layer upon each other

The correct answer is: They are pulverized

At transform margins, tectonic plates slide past one another laterally. This lateral movement creates intense friction between the rocks along the fault lines. As the plates grind against each other, the mechanical stress that builds up can cause the rocks to undergo continuous deformation. Over time, this process leads to the disintegration of the rocks, as they are effectively ground down and pulverized due to the significant pressure and movement. The interaction at these margins does not lead to the formation of new rock (which would be the case in convergent or divergent settings), nor does it cause the already existing rocks to become softer. Instead, it results in the fragmentation of the material, contributing to the accumulation of smaller rock particles and debris along the fault line. Additionally, layering does not occur at transform margins in the way it does in sedimentary environments; rather, the rocks remain in their original orientation but become damaged and worn from the abrasive contact. Thus, the correct understanding of the processes at transform margins leads to the conclusion that rocks are indeed pulverized as they interact.