Question

the san andreas fault zone is a portion of the boundary between the pacific and north american plates that runs through part of california in the united states. the relative motion of these plates is shown by the map below. which of the following best describes the san andreas fault? choose 1 answer: a it is a rift zone where plates are diverging. b it is a boundary where plates slide past one another. c it is a mountain chain where plates are diverging. d it is a boundary where plates are converging.

Explanation:

The San Andreas Fault is a transform - plate boundary. At transform boundaries, tectonic plates slide past one another horizontally. Option A (diverging plates at a rift zone) is incorrect as rift zones are associated with divergent boundaries (e.g., mid - ocean ridges). Option C (a mountain chain with diverging plates) is wrong because mountain chains are often formed at convergent boundaries (e.g., the Himalayas) or through volcanic activity at hotspots. Option D (converging plates) is for convergent boundaries where one plate is subducted under another (e.g., the Andes).

Answer:

B. It is a boundary where plates slide past one another.