Lava flows - pahoehoe and a'a: Cruising on a Sea of Words series

My fascination with volcanic activity and lava flows began decades ago, shortly after I moved to Hawaiʻi in the late 90’s. The names distinguishing the different types of flows especially captured my interest, the pronunciations always generating a smile. 

When lava flows out from a volcanic eruption in smooth or ropy-textured trails, the flow is called pahoehoe. The rugged, faster-moving and higher temperature flows that can cut right through your rubber slippahs are called a’a lava - the word also sounding like a warning: “a’a, no can step there!” 

I’ve walked on pahoehoe lava still warm to the touch, but in an abundance of caution always avoided the jagged points of the a’a flows.  

Surveying the ancient lava at Ka'ena Point on O'ahu
(check out the CAUTION stenciled into the lava off to my left)

An excerpt of a calming moment from Island Cruise Homicide: 

Beyond the final stretch of sand jutted a blanket of lava. Waves rippled onto blackened rock, molten flows hardened to pahoehoe smoothness in some areas and sharp-edged a’a in others. The boys claimed a spot between the man and the water’s edge. We approached at a more cautious gait, Rick taking a slight lead. 

A mild trade wind ruffled the surfer’s hair and tips of graying strands brushed his shoulders. As we neared, he stiffened slightly. Rick reached out his arm to stop me about ten feet from the group. With rapt attention, the boys continued to watch the man, their backs to the rhythmic lapping of ocean waves. Chirping birds aligned atop sun-heated boulders fell quiet. The wind ceased. Silence echoed across the fresh air of eternity Nate had mentioned earlier.

You can find Island Cruise Homicide and all the Pepper Bibeau mysteries in print or ebook format today at: Amazon.com https://amzn.to/2JuYg20 

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