Sampling an 'A'a Flow
Sampling an 'A'a Flow
Here, geologist Christina Heliker is preparing to take a sample of an 'a'a
flow. Unlike pahoehoe flows, 'a'a flows radiate an incredible amount of
heat so a lot more protection is required. She will scoop off a blob of
the lava and put it into the coffee can. She then pours water into the
can to rapidly quench the lava sample. This helps to make sure that the
sample does not react with the atmosphere as it cools, and that it will be
as pristine as it can be.
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