A transform fault is a type of fault in the Earth's crust where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally. This movement can cause earthquakes as the plates get stuck due to friction and then suddenly release. Transform faults are typically found on the ocean floor, but they can also occur on land. One of the most well-known examples of a transform fault is the San Andreas Fault in California. This fault marks the boundary between the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate. The sliding motion along transform faults can lead to significant geological activity, making them important areas of study in geology and seismology.