What Are the Most Famous Volcanoes in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia is home to several well-known active and dormant volcanoes. Here are some of the most significant ones:
Harrah Mountain Yar
This volcano is situated in the Abu Arish region of Jazan, in the southernmost part of Saudi Arabia, close to the border with Yemen. It is a dormant volcanic field that comprises three volcanic groups: the summits, Okawatin, and Jaratin. Additionally, the area features several hot springs, with its only recorded volcanic eruption occurring in 1810.
Harrah Al-Bark
Also referred to as the Hail Volcano, this site is located in western Saudi Arabia near the city of Abha. Currently considered dormant, it is classified as a young volcano, with studies suggesting its last eruption took place less than a century ago. Recent deposits of weathered ash have been found here, and the field consists of a series of 30 small to medium-sized cones.
Harrah Al-Kashb
Located approximately 300 kilometers northeast of Mecca, this volcanic area consists of dormant cones and lava flows. The site features five notable peaks: Jabal Aslaj, Jabal Hale, Jabal Al-Zwir, Jabal Abu Haras, and Jabal Shalman, in addition to a significant crater known as Al-Wabah. The area also contains various lava tube caves.
Harrah Al-Rahat
This volcanic field stretches across southwestern Saudi Arabia from the south of Medina to the northern borders of Taif, making it the largest volcanic field in the country. It hosts between six and seven dormant lava flows, alongside dozens of volcanic cones. Most of the activity from these flows was concentrated in the northern part of the field, with the last eruption recorded in 1256.
Harrah Al-Lonair
This basalt volcanic field is located along the Red Sea coast, near the village of Umluj. While it is considered inactive, a 5.7 magnitude earthquake in 2009 caused numerous fissures and cracks in the ground, raising questions about its current volcanic status. Additionally, its location on the continental fault line adds to this uncertainty.
Harrah Al-Khaybar
Situated north of Medina, the Khaybar basalt field is a large dormant volcano. Its last eruption was reportedly in the late 1500s. The field lies between the Two and Kura volcanic sites and features several volcanic shields, domes, and cones.
Harrah Athnayn
The Athnayn field comprises 20 dormant volcanic craters, located southwest of the city of Hail. Several caves formed by lava tubes can be found in the area. Local witnesses have occasionally reported seeing vapor resembling smoke rising from the craters.