The Awesome Power of Lava: Watch Metal Burn!
Remember when we poked some gentle fun at Hollywood and 'splained that most lava flows are so slow that you can outwalk them? I wish I'd known about this video back then, because it shows how even pahoehoe flows - you know, that thin, runny stuff - are often so ridiculously slow that an elderly sloth could escape their wrath. But it's not like they're not powerful! In this video, you'll see how powerful lava is. I especially loved the tree roots asploding. Pay close attention to the chain link fence as it burns - this stuff is so hot it sets metal afire! Also parking lots, tires and buildings. And the lavafalls - spectacular!
By Dana Hunter
This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American
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Remember when we poked some gentle fun at Hollywood and 'splained that most lava flows are so slow that you can outwalk them? I wish I'd known about this video back then, because it shows how even pahoehoe flows - you know, that thin, runny stuff - are often so ridiculously slow that an elderly sloth could escape their wrath. But it's not like they're not powerful! In this video, you'll see how powerful lava is. I especially loved the tree roots asploding. Pay close attention to the chain link fence as it burns - this stuff is so hot it sets metal afire! Also parking lots, tires and buildings. And the lavafalls - spectacular!
It's interesting watching folks save the power poles. We humans are pretty clever, figuring out how to live with erupting volcanoes and all. I'm declaring this week Volcano Week at Rosetta Stones. B and I just got back from back-to-back trips to Mounts Baker and St. Helens, and we've got lots of pretty pictures for you! Check back often for all the new goodies. We've even got some home-grown pahoehoe! And you'll see what that orchard may look like 2,000 years after those poor engulfed trees have wasted away.
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