Lava flows can abruptly shift from smooth, ropy pahoehoe to rubbly, jagged aa—changes that might be sparked by the molten rock’s internal churn.
While on a family vacation in 2018, Jenny Suckale was rambling across an old Hawaiian lava flow when an abrupt change in the jet-black rocks caught her eye. On one side was the smooth, undulating lava type called pahoehoe ; on the other was the sharp, jagged kind known as aa .
Within minutes it had solidified into a chunky aa-like texture. Like stirring a cup of tea, mixing the lava sped up cooling—and seemingly triggered the formation of aa, says lead study author Cansu Culha, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of British Columbia. To test the idea, the researchers crafted a fluid dynamics model to simulate the behavior of a virtual lava split into two layers: a cooler, stickier top sitting on a hotter, faster bottom. At the boundary between the two layers, they introduced small ripples, which inevitably form because of imperfections common in nature, like underlying bumps on the ground or bubbles in the lava.
The new model may help explain the variety of conditions previously observed to trigger the pahoehoe-to-aa transition—or why it sometimes doesn’t happen at all. “It’s a very exciting possibility,” says Arianna Soldati, a volcanologist at North Carolina State University who was not part of the study team.
Nigeria Latest News, Nigeria Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Pringles Reveals Four New Harvest Blends Collection FlavorsICYMI: Looking for some new nerdy snackage? Kelloggs have revealed four new flavors of Pringles called the Harvest Blends Collection.
Read more »
Culver’s adds two flavors to its frozen custard rotationCulver’s is adding two new flavors of fresh, frozen custard to its flavor-of-the-day lineup.
Read more »
In ‘Across the Spider-Verse,’ 150 Flavors of Spider-ManA central scene in summer’s biggest box-office hit imagines your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man dozens (and dozens) of different ways. Five memorable Spideys.
Read more »
Literally Just 18 Recipes Packed With Summer's Best FlavorsThese summer recipes are perfect for any gathering! Check out more inside our digital issue starring GDeLaurentiis.
Read more »
2 new custard flavors coming to Culver's restaurants this summerThe flavors will hit menus this summer, following an 'extensive period of recipe development and testing,' Culver's says.
Read more »
A trio of trusted execs move to steady CNN after a chaotic yearInsider tells the global tech, finance, markets, media, healthcare, and strategy stories you want to know.
Read more »