A strike-slip fault is a type of fault where two blocks of the Earth's crust slide past each other horizontally. This movement occurs due to tectonic forces, often associated with the boundaries of tectonic plates. The displacement is primarily lateral, meaning that the rocks on either side of the fault move sideways rather than up or down. One of the most famous examples of a strike-slip fault is the San Andreas Fault in California. This fault marks the boundary between the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate. As these plates move, they can cause earthquakes, which are sudden releases of energy along the fault line.