Pressures in geology

In geology, pressure refers to the force exerted on rocks due to overlying materials or tectonic forces. It increases with depth underground, causing rocks to change their shape or strength through processes like folding, stretching, or becoming denser. High pressure can lead to the formation of metamorphic rocks, altering their mineral structure without melting. Pressure plays a crucial role in shaping Earth's crust and interpreting geological features by revealing conditions under which rocks formed or transformed.