How do transform boundaries function?

Transform boundaries function by allowing tectonic plates to slide past each other. This lateral movement occurs horizontally, with neither plate being created nor destroyed. The interaction between the plates at these boundaries can lead to significant geological activity, including earthquakes. Unlike convergent boundaries, where plates collide and can create mountains or cause volcanic activity, or divergent boundaries, where plates move apart to form new crust, transform boundaries are characterized by the stress and friction that builds up as the plates grind against one another. The sudden release of this built-up energy often results in earthquakes, making the study of transform boundaries critical for understanding seismic activity.