Which geological outcome is most likely following transform fault locking?

💡 Explanation

Locked transform faults build up elastic strain because frictional resistance prevents displacement, therefore sudden crustal stress release (earthquake) occurs, rather than gradual spreading which happens at mid-ocean ridges far from transform boundaries.

• Which geologic consequence results when high discharge fluvial systems deposit sediment at mountain front?
• Which outcome is accelerated as cirque glaciers thaw?
• What outcome develops where mountain river flow enters unconfined floodplain terrain?
• Which mechanism dominates stream diversion across orogenic belts?
• Which risk increases when ice mass loss steepens cirque walls?
• Which outcome results when an orographic lifting near mountain streams encounters stable air mass conditions?