Definition

Noun: * A type of basaltic lava that has a smooth, billowy, or ropy surface. It is characterized by a relatively low viscosity, allowing it to flow freely and form continuous, often shiny, sheets.

Usage

• Pahoehoe is a geological term used specifically to describe the physical appearance and flow characteristics of a certain type of lava. It is often contrasted with its rough, blocky counterpart, aa lava.
• The word is of Hawaiian origin and is used internationally in volcanology.

Examples

• The volcano erupted, producing rivers of smooth pahoehoe that advanced slowly across the plain.
• Geologists study the surface texture of pahoehoe to understand the flow dynamics of the lava.
• The cooled pahoehoe formed a vast, undulating landscape that was surprisingly easy to walk on.

Advanced Usage

• Pahoehoe toe: A small, budding lobe of advancing pahoehoe lava.
  • The leading edge of the flow consisted of countless pahoehoe toes slowly inflating with new lava.

Variants and Related Words

• Aa (noun): The other main type of basaltic lava, which is rough, jagged, and clinkery, in contrast to smooth pahoehoe.
• Lava (noun): The general term for molten rock expelled by a volcano during an eruption.
• Basaltic (adjective): Describing lava or rock that is rich in magnesium and iron, typically forming fluid lava like pahoehoe.

Synonyms

• Smooth lava
• Ropy lava

Antonyms

• Aa lava
• Block lava

Noun

1. freely flowing lava