Cooling new lava detail

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

2001

New lava crusts quickly on the outside. But, it can take months to completely cool down underneath. This lava is brand new, and still on the move.

The smooth type of lava is called "pahoehoe". When it makes this textured look, it's called "ropy" as it resemble coils of braided rope.

The lava flow was moving down a slope. I noticed the central area was moving faster than the sides. The sides, being thinner, cool faster and have more drag, while the central area is still more plastic. I began to see this shape emerge, and set up the camera to wait till it filled the frame.