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Arab News
3 days ago
- Science
- Arab News
What Saudi Arabia's ancient lava fields reveal about its volcanic past — and tourism potential
JEDDAH: Scattered across Saudi Arabia's vast deserts and mountains lie more than 2,500 volcanic craters — relics of a fiery geological past that continues to intrigue scientists and thrill adventurous travellers today. These ancient volcanoes have not erupted in centuries. Their silence, however, belies their significance. 'The Kingdom possesses one of the largest volcanic fields (locally known as Al-Harrat) in the world,' Turki Essam Al-Sehli, senior director of the Geohazard Center at the Saudi Geological Survey, told Arab News. 'These fields cover an area of approximately 90,000 square kilometers — around 4.6 percent of the Kingdom's total area.' The last known eruption was in 1256 AD, when lava from Al-Harrat Rahat flowed within 20 kilometers of Madinah. While dramatic in its time, such activity has long since ceased. 'The Kingdom has experienced relative volcanic stability for centuries,' Al-Sehli said. This dormancy, combined with the dramatic scenery of ancient lava fields, has opened the door to a growing trend: volcano tourism. From stark black cones to craters that plunge deep into the Earth, Saudi Arabia's volcanic landscape offers some of the most breathtaking geological sights in the region. Among the most striking is Al-Wahbah, a vast crater near Taif that is 250 meters deep and more than two kilometers across. In the Asir region, Jabal Farwa — the Kingdom's tallest volcanic peak — rises more than 3,000 m above sea level. Meanwhile, the Khaybar tract is home to Mount Al-Qadar, where lava once flowed for more than 50 km, and the otherworldly Mount Al-Abyad, known for its pale color and unusual formations. 'Fields like Rahat and Khaybar are characterized by hundreds of volcanic cones formed by mild explosive eruptions and vast lava flow areas reaching lava flow length over 50 km on some occasions, which grant them significant geological and scientific importance,' Al-Sehli said. 'Additionally, they are considered the largest in the Arab world and the Middle East.' • The last volcanic eruption in the Hijaz region occurred in 1256 AD, southeast of Madinah. • Its lava flow extended for 23 kilometers, stopping 8.2 km short of the Prophet's Mosque. • Saudi Arabia's volcanic landscape has the potential to become a global tourist destination. While some fields are still classified as 'potentially active,' experts agree there is no cause for alarm. 'Some volcanic fields are categorized as potentially active due to the geophysical indicators of eruptible magma in the mid-crust, which means there is a possibility — even if slight — of future volcanic activity,' Al-Sehli said. 'Currently, there are no signs of imminent danger.' Indeed, any future eruption, while highly unlikely in the short term, would be closely monitored. The Saudi Geological Survey operates a state-of-the-art seismic and volcanic surveillance network designed to detect even the slightest changes beneath the surface. Should a large eruption take place, however, the environmental impact and the effect on the local climate could be significant. 'In the event of a major volcanic eruption, the emission of fine volcanic ash and gases such as sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the upper layers of the atmosphere could lead to temporary cooling of the local or regional climate, as well as generating acid rainfall,' Al-Sehli said. With little risk posed by these sleeping giants and great natural beauty to explore and enjoy, Saudi Arabia is increasingly investing in geotourism — promoting its volcanic fields not as hazards, but as heritage. 'There is growing interest in developing geological tourism in the Kingdom,' Al-Sehli said. 'The ministry of tourism is collaborating with the Saudi Geological Survey to develop and preserve these geological sites.' The Saudi Geological Survey's role extends far beyond monitoring. It produces maps and reports, conducts scientific research, and works to raise public awareness through exhibitions and outreach programs. It also helps identify and conserve key geological sites, ensuring that Saudi Arabia's volcanic past is protected for future generations. From lava trails to towering cones, the Kingdom's volcanic fields offer a window into Earth's ancient forces — and a unique travel experience for those looking to explore a different side of Saudi Arabia. These volcanoes may be dormant, but their potential — for knowledge, for tourism, and for wonder — is anything but.
Arab News
27-04-2025
- Arab News
A closer look at the Great Reef off Jeddah's coast
RIYADH: The Great Reef, just 24 kilometers off Jeddah's coastline, is a marine heritage site known for its stunning coral formations. Covering almost six sq. km, the reef showcases the diversity of aquatic ecosystems in the heart of the Red Sea. The reef is shaped not only by natural coral structures but also by cavities and openings formed by marine organisms and through weathering processes, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Despite pressure from sea currents, tides, and human activity, waters around the reef remain strikingly pure, providing an ideal environment for coral growth and marine life to flourish. • Covering almost six sq. km, the Great Reef showcases the diversity of aquatic ecosystems in the heart of the Red Sea. • It offers a key anchorage for small vessels, and is also a nesting and breeding site for numerous seabird species. According to Saudi Geological Survey's spokesperson Tariq Al-Khail, the Great Reef offers a key anchorage for small vessels, and is also a nesting and breeding site for numerous seabird species. The reef has a growing reputation as a tourism destination, and has become increasingly popular for swimming, recreation, diving, and underwater exploration, he said. Conservation efforts have focused on raising environmental awareness among visitors to preserve this natural landmark for future generations, Al-Khail added.
Khaleej Times
22-04-2025
- Climate
- Khaleej Times
UAE, Saudi Arabia detect 4.3-magnitude quake in Arabian Sea
The National Centre of Meteorology in UAE and the official spokesman for the Saudi Geological Survey, Tariq Aba Al Khail, confirmed that a 4.36-magnitude quake was detected earlier today. Al Khail attributed the cause of this earthquake to the stresses on the old faults in the Arabian Gulf region, caused by the movement of the Arabian Plate and its collision with the Eurasian Plate. He added that this earthquake is one below average and that Saudi borders were unaffected. The National Centre of Meteorology also detected the quake off the coast of Jubail. According to information posted on its website, the authority found that the quake struck at a depth of 10km at 8.50pm.
Saudi Gazette
22-04-2025
- Saudi Gazette
The 'Great Reef' showcases the marine heritage of Red Sea reefs
Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — The Great Reef, located approximately 24 km off the coast of Jeddah, represents an important reserve as a marine heritage of coral reefs in the heart of the Red Sea. Saudi Arabia's western coastline displays a diverse marine environment and natural formations, extending over approximately 6 sq km, capturing the beauty of marine life and their lifestyles. In addition to the natural formations of the Great Reef, it is also home to cavities and holes created by marine organisms living within it, as part of local mechanical weathering processes. Despite being affected by environmental and natural factors such as sea currents, tides, and waves, in addition to human activities, its waters still retain their purity and cleanliness, making it a suitable environment for the growth of coral reefs and the continuation of the marine life cycle. Tariq Aba Al-Khail, the official spokesperson for the Saudi Geological Survey (SGS), explained that "Great Reef' has maintained its status as a vibrant marine environment where various marine species thrive, a major mooring point for small boats, and a preferred destination for observing seabirds that call it home and breeding ground. The coral formation in this area is a natural coral aggregation and has acquired a special tourist status, becoming a destination for visitors to swim, relax, dive, and explore the depths of the sea, he said while pointing out the ongoing efforts to raise environmental awareness among visitors to preserve this unique natural landmark. The Red Sea is home to the second-longest coral reef system in the world after the Great Barrier Reef, stretching over 2,000 kilometers. With a coastline of approximately 1,760 kilometers, Saudi Arabia has the longest coastline among the Red Sea countries, featuring a variety of fringing coral reef systems. Coral reefs stand out as one of the most diverse marine ecosystems on the planet, supporting an estimated 25% of all known marine species despite occupying less than 1% of the ocean floor.
Arab News
21-04-2025
- Science
- Arab News
More than 150 caves reveal their secrets in Saudi Arabia
RIYADH: They may look dark and forbidding, but caves across various regions of Saudi Arabia are shedding new light on some of Earth's oldest secrets. According to the Saudi Geological Survey, caves and geological features in the Kingdom are unique natural treasures providing a vital foundation for scientific research. More than 150 caves have been recognized for their significant scientific value, with some serving as natural records of the planet's geological and climatic history, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Caves also have a growing role in the development of sustainable ecotourism, the Saudi Geological Survey said. The organization is working to uncover and study these sites as part of the national strategy, the SPA added. Studies offer precise scientific evidence of environmental changes the region has undergone over thousands of years, including rare plant and animal remains from species that become extinct due to natural shifts. Tariq Aba Al-Khail, spokesperson for the Saudi Geological Survey, said that the organization enables researchers and specialists in geosciences, archaeology, and paleobiology to study these caves within a structured scientific framework. He highlighted the organization's role as a reference for accurate geological data and its commitment to building partnerships with academic and research institutions to strengthen the knowledge base and raise community awareness about the value of these natural resources.
