Ferns in Pahoehoe Lava

Lava can have wide variety of appearances, but in any case the main ingredient is silica, same as glass. Released from pressure, the gasses dissolved in it fizz, just like a bottle of soda. Breaking lava open is little like looking into the foam on a glass of beer, except that all the little edges are razor sharp. Depending on temperature and how it cooled it may be firm or crumble easily in your fingers, especially the outer crust. Sometimes the most unlikely ledge will hold your step firmly, other times you may step right through seemingly solid stuff. In any event, it is like walking through endless shards of glass. Any time you put your hand down for support you’re asking to get it sliced.

Photo circa 2005.