A photo of Valentine Cave.

This passage near the entrance to Valentine Cave displays lines and ridges marking fluctuating levels of lava flowing in the tube. The ceiling above the highest lava flow level displays abundant lava-cicles. Lava-cicles form from either lava splattering and dripping from the ceiling or the melting of ceiling rock from the high radiant heat and hot vapors moving in the passage above the flowing lava (Harter, 1982). Today the lava-cicles are places where moisture condenses and drips from the ceiling. The lava-cicles are both fragile and razor sharp; they should not be touched.