Part C
When considering the interaction between the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate, it’s important to understand the dynamics at play. The Pacific Plate is moving to the northwest while the North American Plate is moving to the southeast. This movement causes the two plates to slide against each other, creating a transform plate boundary.
Creation or Destruction of Crust:
1. Transform Boundaries: Unlike convergent or divergent boundaries, transform boundaries do not typically result in the creation or destruction of crust. These boundaries are characterized primarily by the lateral sliding of plates past one another.
2. No Significant Creation/Destruction: At transform boundaries, such as the San Andreas Fault, there isn’t significant formation of new crust (as at divergent boundaries) or significant subduction of old crust (as at convergent boundaries). Therefore, we don't expect notable creation or destruction of crust.
Natural Disasters:
1. Earthquakes: The most common natural disaster associated with transform boundaries is earthquakes. The friction between the sliding plates causes pressure to build up. When this pressure is released, it results in seismic activity. In regions like California, where the Pacific and North American plates meet at the San Andreas Fault, earthquakes are a frequent occurrence.
2. Magnitude and Frequency: These earthquakes can vary in magnitude and frequency, but in areas with significant transform fault activity, they can potentially be very powerful and cause substantial damage to infrastructure and life.
In conclusion, the Pacific Plate’s movement against the North American Plate primarily leads to seismic activity manifesting as earthquakes but does not significantly create or destroy crust.
