About Yar, Jabal
Yar, Jabal is a volcanic field rising to 305 meters (1,001 feet) in Saudi Arabia's Arabia-Central Asia Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption was in 1810 CE. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2.
Geography & Climate
Yar, Jabal is located in Saudi Arabia, within the Southwest Arabia Volcanic Province of the broader Arabia-Central Asia Volcanic Regions. Situated at 17.05° N, 42.83° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. At just 305 meters above sea level, Yar, Jabal is a relatively low-elevation volcanic feature. Despite its modest height, it remains an active geological formation with the same underlying magmatic processes as its taller counterparts. 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
Yar, Jabal 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 Yar, Jabal 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
Yar, Jabal has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 1810 CE to 1810 CE. The most powerful recorded event was an explosive event producing ash plumes up to several kilometers in 1810 CE, reaching VEI 2 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index.
GVP Reference Summary
Jabal Yar, the southernmost young volcanic field in Saudi Arabia, is a small olivine basaltic field along the Red Sea coast at the SW tip of Saudi Arabia. It contains three groups of volcanoes, Qummatain, Djar'atain-Harra, and 'Ukwatain. Hot springs occur south of Djar'atain and between it and 'Ukwatain. A single historically documented eruption took place at the beginning of the 19th century.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1810 | 2 | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Yar, Jabal
Is Yar, Jabal an active volcano?+
Yar, Jabal is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in 1810 CE, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
When did Yar, Jabal last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Yar, Jabal occurred in 1810 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Yar, Jabal has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Yar, Jabal?+
Yar, Jabal has a summit elevation of 305 meters (1,001 feet) above sea level. At 305 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Yar, Jabal?+
Yar, Jabal 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 Yar, Jabal located?+
Yar, Jabal is located in Saudi Arabia, in the Arabia-Central Asia Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Southwest Arabia Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 17.050° latitude, 42.830° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Yar, Jabal?+
Yar, Jabal 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.
