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Transform Plate Boundaries
Quantitative Problems

Rate of Slip on the Alpine Transform Fault

The Alpine Fault of New Zealand is described in the texbook as a classic example of an active continental transform. One of the fundamental characteristics of all transform faults is the rate of slip. To calculate the rate of slip along the Alpine Fault you need to know only two things: how long the transform has been active and how much displacement has occurred.

1 . Estimate the total amount of slip on the fault by measuring the distance between the offset ophiolite belts shown in Figure 20.15. [Hint]

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2 . Calculate the rate (in cm/y) of horizontal movement along the fault. The transform fault appears to have initiated about 38 million years ago.

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3 . How does this rate compare with typical plate velocities? With movement on the San Andreas transform fault?

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4 . What would you predict about the number of earthquakes along the Alpine Fault as compared to the San Andreas Fault?

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