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Pahoehoe identification and geology

A type of basaltic lava flow characterized by a smooth, billowy, or ropy surface texture, formed when relatively fluid lava cools while still flowing slowly. The surface forms a thin, flexible skin that is wrinkled and folded by the movement of the molten lava beneath. Pahoehoe is one of two main basaltic flow types the other being aa and is common in Hawaiian-style eruptions. Field: volcanology. Example: Active pahoehoe flows at Kilauea move at speeds of a few meters per hour, with the ropy surface forming as the thin crust is dragged and folded by the underlying flow—the texture resembles coils of rope.. Related terms: Aa, Basalt, Lava tube, Effusive.

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Sources, scope & corrections

These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.

Editorial owner
GeoMiner
Last updated
2026-03-30T15:19:42.055955+00:00
Review status
Published; not independently peer-reviewed
  • USGS Thesaurus — U.S. Geological Survey. Controlled earth-science terminology used to describe USGS information resources.
  • Glossary of Geologic Terms — U.S. National Park Service. Geologic definitions prepared by the NPS Geologic Resources Inventory.

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Common questions

What does Pahoehoe mean in geology?
A type of basaltic lava flow characterized by a smooth, billowy, or ropy surface texture, formed when relatively fluid lava cools while still flowing slowly. The surface forms a thin, flexible skin that is wrinkled and folded by the movement of the molten lava beneath. Pahoehoe is one of two main basaltic flow types the other being aa and is common in Hawaiian-style eruptions.
What is an example of Pahoehoe?
Active pahoehoe flows at Kilauea move at speeds of a few meters per hour, with the ropy surface forming as the thin crust is dragged and folded by the underlying flow—the texture resembles coils of rope.
Which earth-science field uses the term Pahoehoe?
Pahoehoe is used in volcanology.
Which terms are related to Pahoehoe?
Related terms in this reference are Aa, Basalt, Lava tube, Effusive.

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