LAVA FLOW

Lava flow is a highly elongated mass of

molten rock materials cascading
downslope from an erupting vent. The
lava flow being extruded has low silica
and low water contents. Lava is erupted
during either non-explosive activity or
explosive lava fountains.
Lava flows may be erupted
from vents located near their
base. Shield volcanoes
mostly consist of stacks of
fluid lava flows emitted from
vents located at the summit
or on rift zones aligned along
its flanks.
As the lava moves away from
the vent and cools, it can take
many forms, some of which
are shown here:
PAHOEHOE
Pahoehoe (ropy
lava) forms when hot
lava skins over as it
is flowing. The
skin rucks up to
form shapes like
coiled rope (see
below).