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The Astonishing Volcanic Heritage of Madinah: A Geological Treasure

The region of Madinah is a land etched in both profound faith and dramatic geological fire. The story of the Volcanic Heritage of Madinah begins with a defiance of an old belief: that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia held no volcanic wonders. Decades ago, pioneering geological research revealed this to be a myth, uncovering a landscape as historically significant as it is scientifically fascinating.

This journey into the earth’s fiery past leads to the heart of Harrat Al-Madinah. In the late 20th century, this was a formidable, roadless wilderness, accessible only through paths like ‘Abar Al-Mashi’ to reach volcanoes such as ‘Matan’—known in historical texts as ‘Maitan’. This rugged terrain is the foundation of a world-class geological heritage.

This article delves into the incredible Volcanic Heritage of Madinah, a legacy preserved in black rock and historical memory, now poised to become Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO Global Geopark.

Table of Contents

1. What is Geological Heritage?
2. The Volcanic Heritage of Madinah: An Overview
3. A Journey Through Time: The 1256 AD Historical Eruption
4. Unique Geological Formations of Harrat Al-Madinah
5. The Path to a UNESCO Global Geopark
6. The Future: Geotourism and Conservation

What is Geological Heritage?

Before exploring the specific wonders of Madinah, it’s essential to define the subject. Geological heritage, or geoheritage, refers to elements of the Earth’s geodiversity that have significant scientific, cultural, educational, or aesthetic value. This can include rare minerals, unique fossils, spectacular landforms, and, most relevant here, volcanic features.

As defined by global bodies like UNESCO, these sites are irreplaceable records of our planet’s history. In Saudi Arabia, this heritage isn’t limited to volcanoes; it extends to the magnificent sandstone rock formations of Al-Ula, carved by the Nabataeans, standing as a testament to the deep civilization of the Arabian Peninsula.

The Volcanic Heritage of Madinah: An Overview

The Volcanic Heritage of Madinah is a central part of Saudi Arabia’s extensive volcanic field, known as ‘Harrat’. These fields stretch from the southern borders of the Kingdom to the northern frontiers, comprising 12 distinct volcanic areas.

Harrat Al-Madinah, also part of the larger Harrat Rahat, is a geological marvel. It is a land of dramatic contrasts, home to:

• Historical Lava Flows: Including the massive flow from 1256 AD.
• Scoria Cones: Over 400 of these classic, cinder-cone volcanoes dot the landscape, such as the iconic Jabal Matan and Jabal Mutin.
• Tuff Rings & Maars: Low-lying craters like the “Qura” series, formed by explosive interactions between magma and water.
• Trachytic Domes: Rarer, light-colored volcanoes like Jabal Al-Mulaysah, which was protected from quarrying by the direct efforts of the Emirate of Madinah.

The map of Harrat Al-Madinah reveals a terrain rich with names like “Jabal Al-Sahab” and “Burkan Zurqa Abi Zaid,” each telling a story of a specific volcanic event.

A Journey Through Time: The 1256 AD Historical Eruption

The crown jewel of the Volcanic Heritage of Madinah is the documented historical eruption. According to both geological evidence and historical manuscripts, this event began on Monday, the 1st of Jumada al-Thani, 654 AH (June 26, 1256 AD).

The people of Madinah reported hearing distant, thunderous sounds and feeling a strong earthquake. Fearing for their safety, they rushed to the Prophet’s Mosque to pray for protection. The seismic activity continued for days, with sequences of 10-14 tremors felt daily.

On the Friday of that week, a particularly violent quake struck. Crucially, historical records indicate that no buildings collapsed and no lives were lost—a divine protection for this blessed city. The quakes, estimated by experts like Dr. Issam Abboud to be around magnitude 4 or 5, were volcanic tremors related to the magma movement.

The eruption itself featured lava fountains that illuminated the night sky with a red glow, visible from the city. By day, dark ash clouds obscured the sun. The eruption continued for approximately 52 days, producing a lava flow that stretched 25 kilometers, reaching the southern boundaries of what is now the Madinah Airport.

This type of eruption is classified as Strombolian or Hawaiian, among the least violent types, which is why the Volcanic Heritage of Madinah is considered a safe, yet awe-inspiring, area for study and visitation.

Unique Geological Formations of Harrat Al-Madinah

The Volcanic Heritage of Madinah is not a monolith; it is a diverse portfolio of volcanic landforms.

• The Lava Flows: The field contains both smooth, ropey lava (‘Pahoehoe’) and sharp, jagged, clinker-rich lava (‘A’a). The names, interestingly, have Hawaiian origins, adopted by volcanologists based on the sounds people made when walking on them barefoot!
• Lava Tubes and Caves: Within the solidified flows are tunnels and caves formed when the outer surface of a lava flow crusted over while the molten interior drained away. These are prime targets for future geotourism.
• The Dike Swarms: The entire field is crisscrossed by linear volcanic vents, indicating that the eruptions occurred along extensive fractures in the Earth’s crust, trending north-south and northwest-southeast.
• The Rare Maar Volcanoes: Volcanoes like “Al-Mas’ou” were once lakes of lava, a rare phenomenon not found elsewhere in the Kingdom’s volcanic fields.

The Path to a UNESCO Global Geopark

A visionary project is now underway: to designate Harrat Al-Madinah as a UNESCO Global Geopark. This is not merely a title; it is a holistic approach to conservation and sustainable development.

A Geopark is not a sealed-off preserve. It is a living, working landscape managed with a “bottom-up” approach. This means:

• Local Community Involvement: The local community, represented by universities, businesses, municipal councils, and research centers, must be the primary driver and beneficiary.
• Sustainable Economy: The park must demonstrate a plan for economic development through geotourism, education, and local products.
• Management & Protection: A dedicated management structure must be established to protect the geoheritage while promoting its value.

Once these elements are in place, the application can be submitted to UNESCO for approval, potentially making this the first volcanic geopark in the Kingdom. The protection of Jabal Al-Mulaysah from quarrying is a critical first step in this journey.

The Future: Geotourism and Conservation

The future of the Volcanic Heritage of Madinah is bright with potential. Geotourism is a growing global trend, and this field is perfectly positioned to become a world-class destination.

Envision:

• Educational Trails: Well-marked pathways and viewing platforms at sites like the historical vents and the Qura tuff rings, similar to those in Spain’s Geoparks.
• The Madinah Volcanic Museum: A state-of-the-art scientific, educational, and entertaining museum that brings the region’s fiery history to life.
• Guided Tours: Expert-led tours explaining the volcanism, history, and ecology of the area.

This is not just about preserving rocks; it’s about safeguarding a unique identity, fostering scientific curiosity, and creating a sustainable legacy for generations to come. The Volcanic Heritage of Madinah is a story written in stone and fire, waiting for the world to read it.

In conclusion, the Volcanic Heritage of Madinah is a unique and invaluable asset. From its dramatic historical eruption to its diverse and accessible volcanic features, it stands as a testament to the dynamic geology of Saudi Arabia. With the concerted efforts of the government, academic institutions, and the local community, this heritage is on the cusp of gaining the international recognition it truly deserves.

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