About Dhamar, Harras of
Dhamar, Harras of is a volcanic field rising to 3,500 meters (11,484 feet) in Yemen's Arabia-Central Asia Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2.
Geography & Climate
Dhamar, Harras of is located in Yemen, within the Southwest Arabia Volcanic Province of the broader Arabia-Central Asia Volcanic Regions. Situated at 14.57° N, 44.67° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. At 3,500 meters above sea level, Dhamar, Harras 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
Dhamar, Harras 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 Dhamar, Harras 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 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
Dhamar, Harras of has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 1937 CE to 1937 CE. The most powerful recorded event was an explosive event producing ash plumes up to several kilometers in 1937 CE, reaching VEI 2 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. The most recent eruption in 1937 CE places this volcano within the modern era of volcanological observation.
GVP Reference Summary
The lava fields surrounding the town of Dhamar are part of a volcanic field extending 80 km E that includes several stratovolcanoes and many youthful volcanic cones. Basaltic lava flows overlie older rhyolitic flows. Residents near Dhamar "spoke of a volcanic eruption that must have taken place in 1937 near the town" (von Wissmann, 1942; Rathjens and von Wissmann, 1942; cited in Neumann van Padang, 1963); this supposed activity has not been confirmed, located, or described by later work.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1937 | 2 | Uncertain Eruption | Near the town of Dhamar |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Dhamar, Harras of
Is Dhamar, Harras of an active volcano?+
Dhamar, Harras of 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.
When did Dhamar, Harras of last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Dhamar, Harras of occurred in 1937 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2. The eruption was classified as a "Uncertain Eruption." Dhamar, Harras of has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Dhamar, Harras of?+
Dhamar, Harras of has a summit elevation of 3,500 meters (11,484 feet) above sea level. At 3,500 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Dhamar, Harras of?+
Dhamar, Harras 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 Dhamar, Harras of located?+
Dhamar, Harras 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 14.570° latitude, 44.670° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Dhamar, Harras of?+
Dhamar, Harras 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.