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Environment
Environment Main Global Warming Natural Disasters Habitats FRESHWATER

Pahoehoe Lava

Pahoehoe lava flows on Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Unlike aa (pronounced “ah ah”) lava, pahoehoe flows relatively slowly, allowing an insulating skin to form that keeps the temperature close to 2,190 degrees Fahrenheit (about 1,200 degrees Celsius). Aa lava, on the other hand, moves faster and doesn’t have time to develop a skin, resulting in a cooler flow with a more angular texture.

Photograph by Steve and Donna O'Meara