Pahoehoe Lava
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pahoehoe Lava A'a' Lava Lava Flow
Lava Fountain Lava Pillow Lava Lake

 

Hummock Hornito Kipuka Tumulus
Lava Delta Lava Dome Lava Tube Tree Mold
USGS image
 
Pahoehoe lava is usually the first kind of lava to erupt from a volcano. The lava that flows from Pahoehoe flows is very viscous, that means that it is thin and liquid. It has a smooth surface that dries pretty quickly and becomes thicker and flows more slowly than the still hot lava below the surface. As the surface of the flow dries, it turn black and becomes crusty. The top crust is not safe to walk on because it is weak and can collapse.
 
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Photo Citations
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Text Citations

1. USGS Volcano Photo Glossary - http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/Products/Pglossary/lava.html
Last visited 3-5-03

2. San Diego State University Department of Geological Science http://www.geology.sdsu.edu/how_volcanoes_work/Basaltic_lava.html Last visited 3-7-03