About Arhab, Harra of
Arhab, Harra of is a volcanic field rising to 3,100 meters (10,171 feet) in Yemen's Arabia-Central Asia Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption was in 500 CE. The volcano has produced 2 recorded eruptions, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2.
Geography & Climate
Arhab, Harra of is located in Yemen, within the Southwest Arabia Volcanic Province of the broader Arabia-Central Asia Volcanic Regions. Situated at 15.60° N, 44.10° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. At 3,100 meters above sea level, Arhab, Harra of 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
Arhab, Harra of 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 Arhab, Harra of tend to produce effusive eruptions with lava flows that can be relatively predictable, giving nearby communities in Yemen more time to prepare. However, they can also produce explosive phases, particularly when magma interacts with groundwater. The dominant rock type is trachybasalt / tephrite basanite, 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
Arhab, Harra of has 2 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 200 CE to 500 CE. The most powerful recorded event was an explosive event producing ash plumes up to several kilometers in 200 CE, reaching VEI 2 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. These eruptions span roughly 300 years of volcanic history.
GVP Reference Summary
The Quaternary Harra of Arhab in Yemen, north of the capital city of Sana'a, consists of a 1,500 km2 basaltic plateau capped by a few small stratovolcanoes and about 60 scoria cones, two of which have erupted in historical time. Cones in the volcanic field (also known as the Sana'a or the Sana'a-Amran volcanic field) are commonly aligned along a NNW trend above a 100-250-m-thick volcanic plateau. Pliocene-to-Holocene volcanic rocks have a dominantly basaltic-to-hawaiitic composition and overlie the northern end of an area of extensive Oligocene-Miocene basaltic-to-rhyolitic rocks that extends to the SW tip of the Arabian Peninsula. Baker et al. (1997) include outcrops of Quaternary volcanism south of the main area of lava flows, such as Jabal al Marha, as part of this system, but note that they can be difficult to distinguish from Oligocene flood basalts. The latest eruption took place between about 400 and 600 CE and produced a lava flow that traveled 9 km.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
2 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 | 0 | Confirmed Eruption | South flank of Kaulet Hattab |
| 200 | 2 | Confirmed Eruption | East flank of Jabal Zebib |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Arhab, Harra of
Is Arhab, Harra of an active volcano?+
Arhab, Harra of is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in 500 CE, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
When did Arhab, Harra of last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Arhab, Harra of occurred in 500 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 0. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Arhab, Harra of has 2 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Arhab, Harra of?+
Arhab, Harra of has a summit elevation of 3,100 meters (10,171 feet) above sea level. At 3,100 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Arhab, Harra of?+
Arhab, Harra of 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 Arhab, Harra of located?+
Arhab, Harra of is located in Yemen, in the Arabia-Central Asia Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Southwest Arabia Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 15.602° latitude, 44.098° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Arhab, Harra of?+
Arhab, Harra of can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Yemen may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
