Pahoehoe for Dummies

Pahoehoe is a Hawaiian word used to describe a specific type of lava flow that is incredibly fascinating and unique. Imagine you are at a Hawaiian volcano, standing on the edge of a fiery flow of molten lava, and you see the lava slowly flowing down the slope. If that lava has a smooth and undulating surface, almost like evenly spread chocolate sauce, then that's what we call Pahoehoe lava.

Now, let's break it down even further to make sure we understand it clearly. Pahoehoe lava is formed when the molten rock from a volcano's eruption cools down and begins to solidify. But what makes Pahoehoe special is the way it cools and creates its distinct appearance. The lava becomes like a smooth and shiny sheet, with small, rolling waves across its surface. It almost seems like a texture you might find on a pancake or a soft, thick carpet. By using our imagination and comparing it to things we encounter in everyday life, we can better understand and remember what Pahoehoe means.

To help picture it in your mind, think of spreading a thick chocolate sauce across a delicious pancake. As you spread it, the sauce glides smoothly and forms gentle ripples, just like how Pahoehoe lava looks when it cools. The surface of the cooled lava can also remind us of a cozy carpet with small, subtle waves that you can't help but run your fingers through. By using these easy-to-understand comparisons, we can bring the concept of Pahoehoe to life.

But wait, there's more! Pahoehoe can also refer to the Hawaiian word for "hard on the feet." When the hot lava hits the ground and solidifies, it can form rough and jagged textures, making it difficult and uncomfortable to walk on. So, in this sense, Pahoehoe emphasizes the contrast between the smooth, undulating surface of the lava flow and the harsh, roughened terrain it creates once it cools down.

To summarize, Pahoehoe is a Hawaiian word that describes a specific type of lava flow with a smooth and wavy surface, resembling a thick chocolate sauce on a pancake or gentle waves in a cozy carpet. It can also refer to the hardened lava, which creates a rough and uncomfortable terrain. Understanding the meaning of Pahoehoe helps us appreciate the wonders of nature and the diversity of our planet's geology.