About Bir Borhut
Bir Borhut is a volcanic field rising to 464 meters (1,522 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.
Geography & Climate
Bir Borhut is located in Yemen, within the Southwest Arabia Volcanic Province of the broader Arabia-Central Asia Volcanic Regions. Situated at 15.52° N, 50.94° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. At just 464 meters above sea level, Bir Borhut 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
Bir Borhut 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 Bir Borhut 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
Bir Borhut has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 950 CE to 950 CE.
GVP Reference Summary
Near the villages of Hleime and Al Ghayl, along the Wadi Hadhramout valley about 45 km from the coast of Yemen, is what appears to be a pyroclastic volcanic cone and extensive dark lava flows. Although Theodore Bent did not reach the volcano while traveling through the region in 1894, he described it as a solfataric area and source of brimstone. Arabic reports exist of an active volcano in eastern Hadramaut that erupted in the 10th century; emissions were reported in 1813 (Neumann van Padang, 1963). Geologic maps of the Arabian Peninsula show Quaternary mafic volcanic rocks in this area, which lies south and west of the Wadi al Masilah river valley. Small cones are present in the coastal lava fields, including a cone with two craters about 10 km NE of the town of Qusay'ir.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 950 | — | Uncertain Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Bir Borhut
Is Bir Borhut an active volcano?+
Bir Borhut is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Evidence Uncertain." No recorded eruptions have been documented. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Bir Borhut last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Bir Borhut occurred in 950 CE. The eruption was classified as a "Uncertain Eruption." Bir Borhut has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Bir Borhut?+
Bir Borhut has a summit elevation of 464 meters (1,522 feet) above sea level. At 464 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Bir Borhut?+
Bir Borhut 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 Bir Borhut located?+
Bir Borhut 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 15.515° latitude, 50.935° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Bir Borhut?+
Bir Borhut 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.
