About Rahat, Harrat
Rahat, Harrat is a volcanic field rising to 1,744 meters (5,722 feet) in Saudi Arabia's Arabia-Central Asia Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption was in 1256 CE. The volcano has produced 3 recorded eruptions, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 3.
Geography & Climate
Rahat, Harrat is located in Saudi Arabia, within the Western Arabia Volcanic Province of the broader Arabia-Central Asia Volcanic Regions. Situated at 23.08° N, 39.78° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,744 meters above sea level, Rahat, 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
Rahat, 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 Rahat, 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
Rahat, Harrat has 3 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 641 CE to 1292 CE. The most powerful recorded event was a severe eruption capable of regional ash fall and pyroclastic flows in 1256 CE, reaching VEI 3 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. These eruptions span roughly 651 years of volcanic history.
Significance
With a maximum recorded VEI of 3, Rahat, Harrat has produced eruptions capable of generating pyroclastic flows and significant ash fall in the surrounding area. While not among the largest eruptions globally, VEI 3 events pose serious hazards to local populations and can disrupt regional air travel.
GVP Reference Summary
Harrat Rahat, Saudi Arabia's largest lava field, covers 20,000 km2 and extends for 300 km S of Madinah (Medina). Four coalescing lava fields erupted from offset NNW-trending vent systems comprise the field, which has an average width of 60 km. Lava flows extend as far as 100 km W of the axis of the field. Basaltic scoria cones dominate, but the volcanic field has also produced silicic trachy-basaltic to trachytic rocks. Small shield volcanoes and lava domes with associated pyroclastic flow and surge deposits are also present. Activity has migrated to the north over time, resulting in eruptions near Madinah. The best-known eruption took place in 1256 CE, when a 0.5 km3 lava flow erupted from six aligned scoria cones and traveled 23 km to within 4 km of Madinah.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
3 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1292 | — | Uncertain Eruption | Near Madinah |
| 1256 | 3 | Confirmed Eruption | Fissure 20 km SE of Madinah |
| 641 | 2 | Confirmed Eruption | West of Madinah |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Rahat, Harrat
Is Rahat, Harrat an active volcano?+
Rahat, Harrat is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in 1256 CE, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
When did Rahat, Harrat last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Rahat, Harrat occurred in 1292 CE. The eruption was classified as a "Uncertain Eruption." Rahat, Harrat has 3 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Rahat, Harrat?+
Rahat, Harrat has a summit elevation of 1,744 meters (5,722 feet) above sea level. At 1,744 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Rahat, Harrat?+
Rahat, 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 Rahat, Harrat located?+
Rahat, 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 23.080° latitude, 39.780° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Rahat, Harrat?+
Rahat, 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.
