Question

plate tectonics
transform fault boundaries

what happens when plates overcome friction at a transform fault boundary?
they release energy typically in the form of earthquakes.
they create new oceanic crust.
they reverse their direction of movement

Explanation:

The text states that when plates overcome friction at a transform fault boundary, there is a sudden release of stored energy. This energy release is typically in the form of earthquakes, as mentioned in the first option. The second option (creating new oceanic crust) is associated with divergent boundaries (like mid - ocean ridges), not transform faults. The third option (reverse direction of movement) is not supported by the text which focuses on energy release (earthquakes) at transform fault boundaries.

Answer:

They release energy typically in the form of earthquakes.