About Sawad, Harra Es-
Sawad, Harra Es- is a volcanic field rising to 1,737 meters (5,699 feet) in Yemen's Arabia-Central Asia Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption was in 1253 CE. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 3.
Geography & Climate
Sawad, Harra Es- is located in Yemen, within the Southwest Arabia Volcanic Province of the broader Arabia-Central Asia Volcanic Regions. Situated at 13.58° N, 46.12° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,737 meters above sea level, Sawad, Harra Es- 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
Sawad, Harra Es- 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 Sawad, Harra Es- 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
Sawad, Harra Es- has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 1253 CE to 1253 CE. The most powerful recorded event was a severe eruption capable of regional ash fall and pyroclastic flows in 1253 CE, reaching VEI 3 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index.
Significance
With a maximum recorded VEI of 3, Sawad, Harra Es- 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
The Harra es-Sawâd (or Shuqra) volcanic field in southern Yemen extends for nearly 100 km along the Gulf of Aden, east of the city of Shuqra (Shaqra). The field is oriented WSW-ENE and contains about a hundred cones that have sent lava flows across a 40 x 95 km area of faulted basement limestones. Most of the volcanic field is Holocene in age (Cox et al., 1977), and in many cases the flows and cones are essentially uneroded. The only recorded event was a major, but poorly documented, eruption in 1253 CE.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1253 | 3 | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Sawad, Harra Es-
Is Sawad, Harra Es- an active volcano?+
Sawad, Harra Es- is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in 1253 CE, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
When did Sawad, Harra Es- last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Sawad, Harra Es- occurred in 1253 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 3. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Sawad, Harra Es- has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Sawad, Harra Es-?+
Sawad, Harra Es- has a summit elevation of 1,737 meters (5,699 feet) above sea level. At 1,737 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Sawad, Harra Es-?+
Sawad, Harra Es- 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 Sawad, Harra Es- located?+
Sawad, Harra Es- 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 13.580° latitude, 46.120° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Sawad, Harra Es-?+
Sawad, Harra Es- 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.
