This chapter focuses on how the thermal evolution of transform margins is controlled by deformation related to ridge migration parallel to the margin, creating pronounced thermal perturbation. It draws from insights provided from the three-dimensional thermal finite element models using a kinematic boundary condition to account for sea-floor spreading center migration. The models are used to quantitatively investigate the complex spatial patterns and temporal changes in the thermal regime of the ocean–continent transform development stage and subsequent transform margin. The models demonstrate the consequences for the uplift history, structural style and crustal structure of a transform margin as lithospheric strength is strongly temperature dependent.

The chapter describes the development history and controlling dynamics of strike-slip faulting in various geologic settings, and its transition to continental breakup and the early drifting stage.

The aim of this chapter is the classification of the various types of strike-slip faults and their structural architecture. In order to understand structural styles of transform margins, continental strike-slip fault zones, and pull-apart basins, transform margin precursors represented by continental transforms and continent–ocean transforms are discussed, together with their tectonic development histories, controlling dynamics, and resultant structural architecture. The discussion also includes ridge transform faults and associated oceanic fracture zones. Focus is also given to the structural architecture of the oceanic side of the continental–oceanic transform fault zone, its development history, its controlling dynamics, and the way they affect the evolution of the adjacent continental side, which subsequently evolves into the future transform margin.