Kīpuka

A kīpuka is an area of grassland or forest within a barren volcanic landscape, such as a lava flow. When lava spreads and cools, it can create solid surfaces. Kīpukas are pockets of older, undeformed land that remain untouched by the recent lava, often providing refuge for plants and animals. They are important for ecological diversity and serve as natural sanctuaries in volcanic regions. Essentially, a kīpuka is a "island" of older terrain amidst new lava flows, illustrating how nature can preserve patches of pre-existing ecosystems within fresh volcanic landscapes.