Why do earthquakes occur on transform faults?
On transform faults two crustal blocks move horizontally relative to one another; friction can lock them until accumulated strain is released in an earthquake.
Formation process and geographic mechanism
Plate motion continues while irregularities may hold fault sections for years or centuries. Surrounding rocks deform elastically until strength is exceeded and sudden slip releases stored energy. Rupture begins at one point and spreads along the fault, generating seismic waves. The surface trace is not the full width of the underground rupture plane.
Spatial outcomes, measurement and management
Large transform earthquakes are often shallow and can produce intense shaking near settlements. A previous date does not predict the exact next day; probabilities use slip rate, past ruptures and segmentation. Safe construction, ground studies, warning and preparedness reduce risk, while simply moving away from the mapped line does not remove all hazard.