A horizontal shelf along the wall of a lava tunnel, generally close to floor level. It is formed at the edge of a lava flow level, by cooling and solidification of the edge followed by a lowering of the level. Some 'benches' form differently by the rolling down of a long flap of wall lining. Gradations can occur, eg. where a thin bench breaks free and starts to roll downwards.

a level shelf of land interrupting a declivity (with steep slopes above and below)

a flat, or at least flatter, section of ground along the side of a steep ridge line or hill

A planar horizontal surface at which a particular slice will be removed from the deposit. Benches are numbered sequentially starting at the bottom of the block model. MicroMODEL refers to a bench by either its bench (level) number or toe elevation.

The unstable, newly-formed front of a lava delta.

area of relatively level land on the flank of an elevation such as a hill, ridge, or mountain where the slope of the land rises on one side and descends on the opposite side (level).