What is a strike-slip fault?

A strike-slip fault is characterized by the horizontal movement of rock strata along the fault line. In this type of fault, the motion of the rocks on either side of the fault is predominantly lateral, meaning they slide past one another without significant vertical displacement. This horizontal movement occurs due to shear stress, which is often the result of tectonic forces acting on the Earth's lithosphere.

Understanding the mechanics of strike-slip faults is important in the study of tectonics and earthquake risks, as they are commonly associated with transform plate boundaries. These boundaries allow tectonic plates to grind against each other, which can lead to significant seismic activity.

In contrast, other types of faults, such as normal and reverse faults, primarily involve vertical displacements of rock strata. Additionally, faults that create ocean trenches or are associated with volcanic activity pertain to different geological processes and are not defined by the characteristics of strike-slip faults. Thus, the distinction of horizontal movement is key to defining what a strike-slip fault is.