1. Transform plate boundaries are unique, in that the plates move horizontally past each other on strike slip faults. Lithosphere is neither created nor destroyed.

2. The three major types of transform boundaries are: (1) a ridge-ridge transform, which connects two segments of a divergent plate boundary; (2) a ridge-trench transform, which connects a ridge and a trench; and (3) a trench-trench transform, which connects two convergent plate boundaries.

3. Transform plate boundaries are shearing zones where plates move past each other without diverging or converging. In the shearing process, secondary features are created, including parallel ridges and valleys, pull-apart basins, and belts of folds. Compression and extension develop in only in small areas.

4. Oceanic fracture zones are prominent linear features that trend perpendicular to the oceanic ridge. They may be several kilometers wide and thousands of kilometers long. The structure and topography of oceanic fracture zones depend largely on two things: the temperature (or age) difference across the fracture, and the spreading rate of the oceanic ridge.

5. Continental transform fault zones are similar to oceanic transforms, but they lack fracture zone extensions.

6. Shallow earthquakes are common along transform plate boundaries; they are especially destructive on the continents.

7. Volcanism is rare along transform plate boundaries, but small amounts of basalt erupt locally from leaky transform faults.

8. Metamorphism in transform fault zones creates rocks with strongly sheared fabrics, as well as hydrated crustal and even mantle rocks.

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