What type of lava is hot, fast-moving, and hardens to form smooth, ropelike coils?

What type of lava is hot, fast-moving, and hardens to form smooth, ropelike coils?

• A. Pahoehoe
• B. Aa
• C. Rhyolite
• D. Balsalt

Answer: (A)

Pahoehoe is characterized by its smooth, ropelike appearance and is known for its relatively high temperature and fluidity when it erupts. This type of lava flows quickly and can solidify into a glossy, rope-like texture as it cools. The smooth surface of pahoehoe is a result of the lava's low viscosity, which allows it to move freely and spread out, creating the distinctive features observed with this lava type. In contrast, aa lava typically has a rough, jagged texture due to its higher viscosity and cooler temperature, making it much less fluid than pahoehoe. Rhyolite refers to a specific type of high-silica volcanic rock that can have different lava characteristics but does not specifically denote the smooth and ropelike texture associated with pahoehoe. Basalt is a broader classification of volcanic rock that can contain both pahoehoe and aa types, but doesn’t describe the specific texture or movement characteristic of pahoehoe lava. The distinct properties of pahoehoe make it easily identifiable in volcanic landscapes.

Pahoehoe is characterized by its smooth, ropelike appearance and is known for its relatively high temperature and fluidity when it erupts. This type of lava flows quickly and can solidify into a glossy, rope-like texture as it cools. The smooth surface of pahoehoe is a result of the lava's low viscosity, which allows it to move freely and spread out, creating the distinctive features observed with this lava type.

In contrast, aa lava typically has a rough, jagged texture due to its higher viscosity and cooler temperature, making it much less fluid than pahoehoe. Rhyolite refers to a specific type of high-silica volcanic rock that can have different lava characteristics but does not specifically denote the smooth and ropelike texture associated with pahoehoe. Basalt is a broader classification of volcanic rock that can contain both pahoehoe and aa types, but doesn’t describe the specific texture or movement characteristic of pahoehoe lava. The distinct properties of pahoehoe make it easily identifiable in volcanic landscapes.