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PRESSURE COOKER

Although its temperature exceeds 400°F (204°C) and is much hotter than the surface boiling point, the water remains in a liquid state due to the great pressure and weight of the overlying rocks and water.

Boiling water weighs approximately four percent less than water that is nearly freezing. Water at 400°F is 14 percent lighter. The superheated water, being less dense than the cold surface water sinking around it, is pushed upwards on convection currents (see Heat).

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