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  • Underground Rock: Pressure and Heat – Geological Forces Explained
    A rock deep underground is primarily affected by pressure from the weight of the overlying rock and heat from the Earth's interior. Here's why:

    * Pressure: The deeper you go underground, the more rock is above you. This immense weight creates immense pressure on the rocks below, pushing them together.

    * Heat: The Earth's core is extremely hot, and this heat radiates outwards. The deeper the rock, the hotter it will be.

    These two factors can cause significant changes in the rock:

    * Metamorphism: The intense pressure and heat can cause rocks to transform into different types of rock. This is called metamorphism.

    * Deformation: The pressure can cause rocks to fold, bend, or fracture. This is called deformation.

    While other forces like gravity and tectonic movement also play a role, pressure and heat are the most significant forces impacting rocks deep underground.

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