Lava tubes are a type of lava cave, formed when an active low-viscosity lava flow develops a continuous and hard crust, which thickens and forms a roof above the still-flowing lava stream. Tubes form in one of two ways: by the crusting over of lava channels, and from pahoehoe (lava) flows where the lava is moving under the surface.
Lava tubes can be up to 14–15 metres (46–49 ft) wide, though are often narrower, and run anywhere from 1–15 metres (3 ft 3 in–49 ft 3 in) below the surface. Lava tubes can also be extremely long; one tube from the Mauna Loa 1859 flow enters the ocean about 50 kilometers (31 mi) from its eruption point, and the Cueva del Viento – Sobrado system on Teide, Tenerife island, is over 18 kilometers (11 mi) long, due to extensive braided maze areas at the upper zones of the system.
Below you will find a gallery of beautiful lava tubes around the world along with some interesting images of various formations within lava tubes such as lavacicles and lava pillars. When viewing, try to imagine a time when lava was flowing through these remarkable tubes. Enjoy!
1. Manjanggul Lava Tube – Jeju Island, South Korea
2. Undara Lava Tubes – Queensland, Australia
3. Thurston Lava Tube – Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island of Hawaii
4. Lava Tube in Lava Beds National Monument – California, USA
5. Manjanggul Lava Tube – Jeju Island, South Korea
6. Valentine Cave Lava Tube – Lava Beds National Monument, California
7. Lavacicles in Mushpot Cave Lava Tube – California, USA
8. Shark Tooth Stalactites – Big Island of Hawaii, USA
9. Lava Pillar at Manjanggul – Jeju Island, South Korea
10. Manjanggul Lava Tube – Jeju Island, South Korea
11. Lava Tube at Mojave National Preserve – San Bernardino County, California
12. Manjanggul Lava Tube – Jeju Island, South Korea
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