Pahoehoe lava
Hawaiian term for basaltic lava that has a smooth, hummocky, or ropy surface. A pahoehoe flow typically advances as a series of small lobes and toes that continually break out from a cooled crust. The surface texture of pahoehoe flows varies widely, displaying all kinds of bizarre shapes often referred to as lava sculpture (see pahoehoe photo collection below).
 |
Pahoehoe lava, Kilauea, Hawaii. Photo: J. Alean Pahoehoe photo collection |