(Geomorphological Study) Ariqa Cave

Abstract

Ariqa Cave is an ancient cave that belongs to the Lava tubes, which extends about 500 meters, consisting of four chambers and three descending corridors in their dimensions towards the end.

The chambers have an arched, domed and curved ceiling with cracks, and a flat ground. Parts of the ceiling are falling apart. Man's interference in the decorations gradually decreases towards the end directions until it becomes minimal in the fourth chamber.

Geomorphological and geological evidence indicates that the cave originated as a lava channel belonging to semi-trench lava tube and internal tubes, and that it is part of a larger tube overlaying a section of Al- Leoa Valley extending at 21 Km. length.

Geomorphologically, the chambers can be categorized as safe,  except for fourth chamber. Risks are varied and found in specific locations, ranging from collapsing rocks, collapse of parts of the roof, blocked passages of gravel hills and slippery pathways, as well as lack of lighting or guidance to improve the safety of the cave.