Effect of slope on development of pahoehoe flow fields: Evidence from Mount Etna

We describe and compare two types of pahoehoe on Mount Etna: one similar to an Hawaiian inflated flow field consisting of tumuli, lava rises and lava rise pits; and the other a coalescing complex of rootless centres of ephemeral boccas fed from lava tubes and superimposed on an initial 'a'a flow field. The former we define as a primary pahoehoe field that results from relatively slow advance rate of lava over an almost horizontal surface. The latter is a result of an eruption of long enough duration to allow tube formation over a substantial portion of the flow field over steeper slopes; at breaks in slope in the underlying topography centres of ephemeral boccas develop giving rise to low effusion rate pahoehoe lavas covering the original channelled 'a'a surface. These we refer to as secondary pahoehoe flow fields.

► Characterisation of two types of pahoehoe textured flow fields, Mount Etna. ► These are defined as primary and secondary pahoehoe flow fields. ► Slope angle is determined as a critical factor in generation of pahoehoe texture.