The problem of the simulation of lava flow at laboratory scale using materials other than lava is investigated. To provide a short cut to the simulation, some simple analytical solutions of the governing equations that are pertinent to the study of lava flow dynamics are given using two different fluid models, that is, the Newtonian and the Bingham plastic fluid models. Based on analytical solutions, a pseudo-similarity is suggested. Experimental results obtained from the series of experiments of molten Carbowax 4000 and 1000, and Kaolin suspension confirm the idea of pseudo-similarity. In this, dimensionless volume flow rate (Q (nu)/g sin (theta) h(,f)('4)) correlates well with aspect ratio (W/h(,f)) and dimensionless depth ratio (h(,f)/h(,e)) for both of the experimental results and some lava flow data. Also, experiments with a heated plate were carried out, which give very similar surface texture to that of lava itself.