When horizontal pressure is applied to rocks on Earth's surface, several things can happen:
1. **Deformation**: Rocks can undergo deformation due to the horizontal pressure, leading to changes in their shape and structure. This deformation can result in folding or faulting of the rocks.
2. **Fold Formation**: In response to horizontal pressure, rocks may fold, creating bends or curves in their layers. For example, anticlines (upward folds) and synclines (downward folds) can form as a result of this pressure.
3. **Faulting**: If the pressure exceeds the rock's strength, it can cause the rocks to fracture along lines known as faults. This can lead to the displacement of rock layers along fault lines.
4. **Shearing**: Horizontal pressure can also result in shearing, where rocks slide past each other horizontally along a fault plane. This movement can cause significant changes in the rock's structure and alignment.
In summary, when horizontal pressure is applied to rocks on Earth's surface, they can deform, fold, fault, and experience shearing, ultimately altering the landscape and rock formations in the affected area.