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Spiral Pahoehoe Lava, Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii | #Geology #GeologyPage #Lava #Kilauea #Hawaii

Lava flows like these Hawaii’an ones are endlessly mesmerizing. This type of flow is gravity-driven; rather than being pushed by explosive pressure, the lava flows under its own weight and that of the lava upstream. In fact, fluid dynamicists refer to this kind of flow as a gravity current, a term also applied to avalanches, turbidity currents, and cold drafts that sneak under your door in the wintertime. How quickly these viscous flows spread depends on factors like the density and viscosity of the lava and on the volume of lava being released at the vent. As the lava cools, its viscosity increases rapidly, and an outer crust can solidify while molten lava continues to flow beneath. Be sure to check out the full video below for even more gorgeous views of lava.  (Image/video credit: J. Tarsen, source; via J. Hertzberg)

Cat Comes to University Every Day So She Can Rescue Students with Cuddles

For years, the University of Augsburg in Bavaria, southern Germany, has played host to a very special visitor: a little ginger cat whose only mission is to give students soothing snuggles. She started popping on to campus when she was one year old, realised she liked hanging around with students, and has been paying the university a visit every day since then. Her owner lives just nearby and has no issue with the cat spending her days helping out the students, who call the cat Sammy or The Campus Cat. Sammy now knows many of the students, and will always run to them to sit on their lap and cuddle up. During each daily trip to the campus, Sammy enjoys lounging outside in the sun. But her favourite spot in the library, where she can check in on stressed out students revising for exams and offer support.

Photos by CampusCat Augsburg