pressure-ridge cave

geology

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

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Pressure-ridge caves are a type of lava cave formed in volcanic regions. They are created when the solidified crust of a lava flow buckles due to the movement of molten lava underneath. This buckling lifts the roof rock, forming cavities beneath the ridges. These caves are typically oriented perpendicular to the lava flow, unlike other lava tube caves. They often have a triangular cross-section and can extend for several hundred meters. Pressure-ridge caves are distinct from other lava cave formations like spatter cone chambers and blister caves, which are formed by different volcanic processes.1

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Other types of lava caves
So-called pressure-ridge caves can be formed beneath the ridges by the mechanical lifting of the roof rock. Such cavities typically measure one to two metres in height, have a roughly triangular cross section, and extend several hundred metres in length. Unlike lava tube caves that are…
Read More
So-called pressure-ridge caves can be formed beneath the ridges by the mechanical lifting of the roof rock. Such cavities typically measure one to two metres in height, have a roughly triangular cross section, and extend several hundred metres in length. Unlike lava tube caves that are…
Read More