Crossword Genius

How heat might cause damage to half of fresco church displayed (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

scorch

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'how heat' is the definition.
'scorch' can be an answer for 'heat' (scorching is a kind of heating). I am not sure about the 'how' bit.

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for scorch that I've seen before include "Burn lightly" , "Burn; drive very fast (informal)" , "Wither from exposure to heat" , "Shrivel through heat" , "dry up" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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