The anatomy of a channel-fed ‘a‘ā lava flow system

The stabilized channel is a crucial element of an ‘a‘ā flow system, delivering lava to forward extending zones dispersed flow. However, the term stable implies that geometries, properties, and dynamics are invariable. just how these in space time? To answer this question, we constrain degree variation for extremely well-exposed on Kīlauea (Hawai’i), carrying out mapping, facies analyses, sampling down entire 5.5-km length channel-levee unit. Though active only 3 days, emplacement were highly unstable, experiencing both temporal spatial variation. This resulted complex construction history solidified form, where comprised three phases: initial, free-flowing, late-stage ponded. These phases coupled with underlying substrate, slope, volume flux. temporally spatially varying conditions combined result four types geometries (tubed, stable, ponded, braided); five (smooth pāhoehoe, rough/spiney, slabby, transitional, ‘a‘ā); levee (initial-rubble, surge-fed overflow, pond-fed accretionary). Complexity form was reflected cooling rates ranged from 6.6 °C km−1 free-flowing 17.7 ponded lava. Likewise, vesicularities gas-rich (as high as 74% vesicles) outgassed low 27%). Due variance at suggest feeder better component channel-fed field. stresses role feeding not unchanging. Although can be complex, some periods stable. If depths, widths, temperatures, crystallinities during below-bank stability identified, then system modelled. We show by fitting down-channel properties output FLOWGO thermorheological model. In doing this, provide dataset guide benchmark models aimed simulating systems.