Strike-Slip Fault

A strike-slip fault is a type of fault where two blocks of Earth's crust slide past each other horizontally along a nearly vertical fault line. Instead of moving up or down, the movement is side-to-side, similar to the way two people might slide past each other in a crowded hallway. This lateral movement occurs because of the shear forces within the Earth's crust. Strike-slip faults are responsible for some of the most significant earthquakes, as the built-up stress is suddenly released when the blocks slip past each other, causing ground shaking. The San Andreas Fault in California is a famous example.