LAVA

Lava moves very rapidly, traveling at speeds up to 30 miles per hour. White lava can reach temperatures as high as 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, 12 times hotter than boiling water.

Lava comes in two different types. Pahoehoe is fluid lava with a smooth shiny surface; it flows swiftly in long streams and solidifies in smooth swirls and folds.  A'a is a rough and slow moving lava that makes a sound almost like that of clanking gravel or sand as it creeps down the mountain, creating sharp, jutting formations. Most flows of lava begin at the summit as pahoehoe, then change to a'a as the flow cools and gasses escape.

Lava can be treacherous to shore dive off of, so bring tough booties and be extra careful when hauling scuba gear. But it makes awesome underwater arches, tubes and caves for us to explore!