 Following the path of least resistance, subsequent magmatic dykes form along and within these initial cracks, causing additional stresses to be imparted to the local materials of the edifice, which in turn generate new rifts for the magma to flow towards.In this way, established rift zones can potentially be self-sustaining geologic features along the flanks of the given volcanic vent.The orientation of this rifting is largely dependent on the gravitational and tectonic stresses at play.