Question 40

There is low risk of volcanoes and high risk of earthquakes.

When two continental plates slide past one another, the primary geological risk involves the buildup of stress along faults, which can lead to significant earthquakes. However, this movement generally does not facilitate volcanic activity, as there is no substantial magma production in transform boundaries.

A) There is low risk of both volcanoes and earthquakes.

This option is incorrect because, while there is a low risk of volcanic activity, the risk of earthquakes is actually high due to the tectonic interactions at the plate boundary. Therefore, stating that both risks are low misrepresents the geological dynamics involved.

B) There is low risk of volcanoes and high risk of earthquakes.

This option accurately reflects the dynamics of transform plate boundaries, where sliding past one another primarily leads to increased seismic activity (high risk of earthquakes) while volcanic activity remains minimal (low risk of volcanoes).

C) There is high risk of volcanoes and low risk of earthquakes.

This choice is incorrect as it mischaracterizes the nature of transform boundaries. The geological conditions do not favor volcanic activity, making the assertion of high risk for volcanoes incorrect.

D) There is high risk of both volcanoes and earthquakes.

This option is also incorrect because it suggests that volcanic activity is a significant risk at transform boundaries, which it is not. While earthquakes are a significant risk, the lack of volcanic activity makes this statement false.

Conclusion

The correct answer, indicating a low risk of volcanoes and a high risk of earthquakes, aligns with the understanding of transform boundaries where plates slide past each other. All other options fail to accurately represent the geological implications of such boundaries, particularly regarding the seismic and volcanic risks involved.