Fissure Caves

Rift Cave - Cleft Cave

Fissure caves are formed by tectonic forces, so they belong to the family of Tectonic Caves. They are closely connected to Talus Caves.

Fissure caves are formed by mechanic widening of thin fissures in the rocks, forming narrow, high, long, and mostly triangular shaped crevices. Often there are several, not connected, parallel crevices. Sometimes they open downwards, sometimes upwards. But if the open upwards, with o roof, they are not really caves, they are more like gorges.

Fissures often open very slowly, and they are filled with porre water. Generally the water transports soluted minerals, e.g. calcite or quartz, which is deposited very slow inside the fissure, forming minerals. If the amount of mineral growth is lower than the growth of the fissure, some space remains, which is filled with crystals. small bubbles and holes are called geodes. Bigger holes, if they are big enough for people to crawl in, my be called caves. There is a big variety in size, form and orientation.

Examples

Goetz Höhle, Germany.

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