Liquidation Price Clustering
Liquidation price clustering occurs when a large number of traders place their liquidation thresholds at or near the same price levels, often around psychological support or resistance points. In crypto markets, this is frequently visible on liquidation heatmaps.
When the price of an asset approaches these clusters, it creates a massive supply or demand shock as the liquidation engine executes thousands of orders simultaneously. This concentration of liquidation risk makes the market highly susceptible to flash crashes or rapid spikes, as the liquidity provided by the market makers is often insufficient to absorb the sudden volume.
It represents a structural vulnerability where the crowd behavior of traders creates a magnet for extreme price volatility.