About Khaybar, Harrat
Khaybar, Harrat is a volcanic field rising to 2,093 meters (6,867 feet) in Saudi Arabia's Arabia-Central Asia Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption was in 650 CE. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2.
Geography & Climate
Khaybar, Harrat is located in Saudi Arabia, within the Western Arabia Volcanic Province of the broader Arabia-Central Asia Volcanic Regions. Situated at 25.50° N, 40.00° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subtropical climate zone. At 2,093 meters above sea level, Khaybar, Harrat rises above the surrounding terrain into montane or subalpine conditions. The elevation creates distinct ecological zones along its flanks, from forested lower slopes to exposed rocky terrain near the summit. 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
Khaybar, 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 Khaybar, 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.
Eruption History Summary
Khaybar, Harrat has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 650 CE to 650 CE. The most powerful recorded event was an explosive event producing ash plumes up to several kilometers in 650 CE, reaching VEI 2 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index.
GVP Reference Summary
Harrat Khaybar, one of Saudi Arabia's largest volcanic fields, covers an area of more than 14,000 km2 N of Madinah (Medina). A 100-km-long N-S linear vent system contains felsic lava domes, tuff rings, the Jabal Qidr stratovolcano, and numerous small basaltic cones. At least seven lava flows are less than 4,500 years old, and another eight are less than 1,500 years old. In the latter category is the 55-km-long Habir lava flow as well as Jabal Qidr stratovolcano, the only stratovolcano in the Harrats of western Saudi Arabia. An eruption was reported in early Mohammedan times during the 7th century CE. Lavas from Harrat Khaybar overlap older lavas of Harrat Kura to the west and merge with lavas from Harrat Ithnayn to the north.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 650 | 2 | Confirmed Eruption | Harrat Lali |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Khaybar, Harrat
Is Khaybar, Harrat an active volcano?+
Khaybar, Harrat is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in 650 CE, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
When did Khaybar, Harrat last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Khaybar, Harrat occurred in 650 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Khaybar, Harrat has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Khaybar, Harrat?+
Khaybar, Harrat has a summit elevation of 2,093 meters (6,867 feet) above sea level. At 2,093 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Khaybar, Harrat?+
Khaybar, 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 Khaybar, Harrat located?+
Khaybar, 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 25.500° latitude, 40.000° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Khaybar, Harrat?+
Khaybar, 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.
