Pahoehoe
Volcano Learning zone > Volcano Glossary
Pahoehoe is a form of basaltic lava flow. The term comes from an Hawaiian word which means smooth or rope like.Pahoe hoe lava is composed of basalt ,is very fluid and has a temperature of 1200C. The ropey surface texture takes the form of nestling loops of lava. Pahoehoe flows quickly and forms lava flows which can run for miles within roofed over lava tubes. Lava tubes form when the edges of the flow cool and form a channel, eventually the channel roofs over and the lava carries on flowing until it runs out leaving an empty tube. Hawaii and Etna both have extensive fieldsof Pahoehoe lava.