Tidal heating is a phenomenon in which the gravitational forces exerted by a larger body on a smaller body cause the smaller body to undergo heating due to deformation caused by tidal forces. This is commonly observed in moons orbiting larger planets, where the varying gravitational pull from the planet causes the moon to flex and stretch, generating heat within its interior. Tidal heating can have significant effects on the geology and internal processes of moons, leading to features such as volcanic activity and subsurface oceans. Scientists study tidal heating to understand the dynamics of planetary bodies and the potential for supporting life on moons with subsurface oceans.