About Ithnayn, Harrat
Ithnayn, Harrat is a volcanic field rising to 1,625 meters (5,332 feet) in Saudi Arabia's Arabia-Central Asia Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity.
Geography & Climate
Ithnayn, Harrat is located in Saudi Arabia, within the Western Arabia Volcanic Province of the broader Arabia-Central Asia Volcanic Regions. Situated at 26.58° N, 40.20° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subtropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,625 meters above sea level, Ithnayn, 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
Ithnayn, 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 Ithnayn, Harrat tend to produce effusive eruptions with lava flows that can be relatively predictable, giving nearby communities in 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.
GVP Reference Summary
The 4000 km2 Harrat Ithnayn volcanic field contains scattered shield volcanoes and scoria cones. It merges with the much larger Harrat Khaybar volcanic field to the south. The field overlies Cambrian sandstones and Precambrian basement rocks. Vents form a general N-S pattern, but are more scattered than those of Harrat Khaybar. Harrat Ithnayn rocks are of basaltic and basanitic composition and lack the silicic components present in neighboring Harrat Khaybar. The youngest lava flows from Harrat Ithnayn are less than 4500 years old. An uncertain report of an historical eruption in 1800 CE is considered unlikely by Camp et al. (1991), who mapped no eruptive products younger than about 1500 years.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Ithnayn, Harrat.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Ithnayn, Harrat
Is Ithnayn, Harrat an active volcano?+
Ithnayn, Harrat is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in prehistoric times, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
How high is Ithnayn, Harrat?+
Ithnayn, Harrat has a summit elevation of 1,625 meters (5,332 feet) above sea level. At 1,625 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Ithnayn, Harrat?+
Ithnayn, 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 Ithnayn, Harrat located?+
Ithnayn, Harrat is located in Saudi Arabia, in the Arabia-Central Asia Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Western Arabia Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 26.580° latitude, 40.200° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Ithnayn, Harrat?+
Ithnayn, Harrat can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Saudi Arabia may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
