Volcanoes

 Volcanic Hazards in the UAE

There are 127 volcanoes as of January 9 2024. Saudi Arabia has some volcanoes and in fact it is active. There is volcanic activity on an Arabian plate locates on the eastern side of the Red Sea rift. There is a large part of of volcanic field and its known as the Harrat Khaybar, which is named after a city that lays on the western side. However there is only one eruption recorded which took place in early islamic times during the 7th century CE.

The white volcanoes

In the center of the Harrat Khaybar lays a rare kind of silica comendite that makes it appear white.The two biggest are Jebel Abiadh and the Jebel Bayda. This is truly stunning on pictures but in person it is so much better. 

Source: https://www.saudiarabiatourismguide.com/white-volcanoes/#:~:text=Whereas%20it%20is%20not%20well,the%20country%20are%20called%20harrat.


Jebel Abiadh (photo: Florent Egal)

Recent lava flow of Jebel Qidr (photo: Florent Egal)

Comments

  1. MaritzyFebruary 25, 2024 at 9:29 PM

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  2. MaritzyFebruary 25, 2024 at 9:30 PM

    Hello Jasmine!

    I enjoyed reading your post especially the part regarding the rare white silica formations in the Harrat Khaybar volcanic field/its potential hazards from volcanic eruptions in the United Arab Emirates. I found it all quite interesting. There are notable variations in geological activity between this and my chosen country, Kyrgyzstan. Due to its location on the Arabian Plate, the United Arab Emirates is subject to volcanic hazards. However, Kyrgyzstan (located in Central Asia), is not known for its volcanic activity. Still, both our countries have breathtaking natural landscapes that are shaped by distinct geological terrains.

    I wanted to share some of Kyrgyzstan's mitigation strategies. Due to the country’s tectonic setting and mountainous terrain, mitigation efforts focus on other geological risks like earthquakes and landslides, volcanic hazards are not a concern. Are your country's mitigation strategies similar (I feel like they'll be different)?

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