The Wreckfish Cave area is part of a terraced series of vertical cliffs and ledges. On several cliffs, the rock found at the top is erosion-resistant Mn-phosphorite pavement. The limestone beneath the pavement is more easily eroded and wears away, leaving the Mn-phosphorite pavement as an overhanging ledge. Eventually, the limestone erodes back so far that the Mn-phosphorite pavement breaks off, forming the many broken slabs we find littered on the seafloor of this region.

Digital still image, JSLII Dive 3462, Wreckfish Cave, Blake Plateau (1750 ft).