Lua Manu Lava Trees
Lava trees are a very unusual sight. They are casts of trees that were in the way of a lava flow. One would think that the trees would have been demolished by the flow, but these lava trees are examples that prove this does not always happen. Lava trees form when lava flows over a forested area. The lava begins to cool around the trees and later burns through to the inside of the trunk. This leaves a hollow mold in the middle of the lava tree, though sometimes part of the burnt tree is left over. The inside of the trees can show the original texture of the bark. In this particular forest, the lava that flowed through the area must have deflated because the trees are positive features on the landscape instead of holes in the ground.
Photo by Thom Wilch
"Treehuggers" Emily and Lauren. Ouch! That lava is sharp!
Photo by Tim Lincoln
This is an example of a lava tree that still has part of the tree remaining.
Photo by Tim Lincoln
The inside of a lava tree, showing the texture of the bark.
Photo by Tim Lincoln
A view of several lava trees, which together appear as a type of forest.