LAVA
Depending
upon the make-up of the magma, lava that flows from a nonexplosive volcano
takes on different characteristics. Sometimes is thick, smooth and has
a rope-like surface, and sometimes it is runny, brittle and hard to
walk upon. We use the term viscosity to refer to the consistency of
lava. Click here
to see a video clip about lava viscosity.
There
are four basic types of lava. Click on the pictures to get a formal
definition for each of these types of lava.
Aa
Lava (pronounced ah-ah)
Aa is
a Hawai'ian word to describe how your feet would feel after walking
on this surface. |
Pahoehoe
Lava
Pahoehoe
is a Hawai'ian word that describes this ropy surface of lava. |
| 
Blocky Aa Lava
This
type of lava cannot travel far from the vent it came from. It usually
oozes from a volcanic vent after a volcanic explosion has released
much of the gas pressure from the magma.
(no
extra link available) |
Pillow
Lava
This
type of lava forms underwater. It is called pillow lava because
of the round, soft-looking shape of it. Pillow lava has this shape
because it cools rapidly as soon as it comes in contact with the
water. |
Links
to lava video clips:
|
