Ash Shaam, Harrat
Volcanic field · 1,100m · Syria-Jordan-Saudi Arabia
About Ash Shaam, Harrat
Ash Shaam, Harrat is a volcanic field rising to 1,100 meters (3,609 feet) in Syria-Jordan-Saudi Arabia's Arabia-Central Asia Volcanic Regions. The volcano is currently active, with its most recent eruption in 2670 BCE. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption.
Geography & Climate
Ash Shaam, Harrat is located in Syria-Jordan-Saudi Arabia, within the Northern Arabia Volcanic Province of the broader Arabia-Central Asia Volcanic Regions. Situated at 32.33° N, 37.58° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subtropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,100 meters above sea level, Ash Shaam, Harrat is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. The volcanic landform is characterized as a cluster, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Ash Shaam, Harrat is an intraplate volcano, meaning it formed away from any plate boundary. These volcanoes are often powered by hotspots — plumes of abnormally hot mantle material rising from deep within the Earth. Hotspot volcanoes like Ash Shaam, Harrat tend to produce effusive eruptions with lava flows that can be relatively predictable, giving nearby communities in Syria-Jordan-Saudi Arabia more time to prepare. However, they can also produce explosive phases, particularly when magma interacts with groundwater. The dominant rock type is basalt / picro-basalt, a dark, fine-grained volcanic rock that forms from rapidly cooling, low-viscosity lava. Basaltic eruptions tend to be less explosive and produce fluid lava flows that can travel long distances. While less immediately dangerous than explosive eruptions, basaltic lava flows can destroy structures and infrastructure in their path, and volcanic gases released during these eruptions can affect air quality over a wide area.
Eruption History Summary
Ash Shaam, Harrat has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 2670 BCE to 2670 BCE.
GVP Reference Summary
The massive Harrat Ash Shaam volcanic province, which extends from Syria through Jordan and into northern Saudi Arabia, contains many smaller volcanic fields. Activity began during the Miocene; a younger eruptive stage, at the SE end of the field, occurred during the late Pleistocene and Holocene (Brown et al., 1984). Al Harrah, a large basaltic volcanic field in northwestern Saudi Arabia, covers an area of 15,200 km2 and forms the southern third of the harrat across a 210-km-long, roughly 75-km-wide area. Other fields include the Jabal ad Druze, Es Safa, Golan Heights, and the Kra Lava Field where radiocarbon dating indicated an eruption at 2,670 BCE ± 200 years. Although a "boiling lava lake" eruption has been in the volcanological literature since 1925, a translation of the original source of that report by Wetzstein (1860) clearly shows that he was describing solidified crater floor surface features and lava flows.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2670 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | Kra lava field |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Ash Shaam, Harrat
Is Ash Shaam, Harrat an active volcano?+
Yes, Ash Shaam, Harrat is considered an active volcano. Its most recent eruption was in 2670 BCE. The volcano is monitored by geological agencies, and its activity status is based on observed eruptions within recorded history.
When did Ash Shaam, Harrat last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Ash Shaam, Harrat occurred in 2670 BCE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Ash Shaam, Harrat has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Ash Shaam, Harrat?+
Ash Shaam, Harrat has a summit elevation of 1,100 meters (3,609 feet) above sea level. At 1,100 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Ash Shaam, Harrat?+
Ash Shaam, Harrat is classified as a Volcanic field. Volcanic fields consist of clusters of small volcanic vents and cinder cones spread across a region. Rather than a single central vent, eruptions can occur at many points across the field.
Where is Ash Shaam, Harrat located?+
Ash Shaam, Harrat is located in Syria-Jordan-Saudi Arabia, in the Arabia-Central Asia Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Northern Arabia Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 32.333° latitude, 37.583° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Ash Shaam, Harrat?+
Visiting Ash Shaam, Harrat requires checking current volcanic activity and alert levels. As an active volcano with eruptions as recent as 2670 BCE, conditions can change rapidly. Always consult local geological authorities and follow official warnings before visiting. Many active volcanoes have designated safe viewing areas and guided tour options.
