Pahoehoe is a *type* of lava flow, characterized by its smooth, ropy, or billowy surface. This texture is due to its relatively low viscosity, meaning it flows easily like a thick syrup.
Here's a breakdown of the difference:
* Lava: The broad term for molten rock.
* Pahoehoe: A specific type of lava flow with a smooth, ropy, or billowy surface.
Think of it like this:
* Lava: is like the category "fruit".
* Pahoehoe: is like the specific type of fruit "apple".
Other types of lava flows exist besides pahoehoe, including:
* Aa: rough, blocky surface
* Pillow lava: forms underwater, with rounded shapes
* Block lava: slow-moving, with large, angular blocks
So, while all pahoehoe is lava, not all lava is pahoehoe!
