Saudi Arabias Al-Wahbah Crater among the worlds top 100 geological heritage sites for 2024

Al-Wahbah Crater in Saudi Arabia is a remarkable geological marvel that has been selected as one of the top 100 geological heritage sites in the world for 2024. 

The crater's exceptional significance is highlighted by its recognition by UNESCO and the International Union of Geological Sciences, both domestically and internationally. 

The Al-Wahbah Crater, also called Maqla Tamiyyah, is a maar crater, a kind of volcanic site created by a phreatic eruption, which is a strong steam explosion brought on by magma and groundwater reacting.

The crater is notable for its enormous size and beauty. It is situated in the Harrat Kishb basaltic plateau, some 270 kilometers northeast of Jeddah. 

It is the biggest and deepest volcanic crater in Saudi Arabia, measuring over 2.3 kilometers in circumference and 250 meters in depth, having formed some 1.1 million years ago. It has a shallow salt lake created by the buildup of rainwater, and its depth and diameter are far greater than those of a typical volcanic crater. 

The crater is a component of a wider volcanic region that spans over 6,000 square kilometers and contains 175 volcanic cones that date back millions of years.