JEDDAH: The remarkable Al-Wahbah Crater in Saudi Arabia has been named one of the top 100 geological heritage sites in the world for 2024. The UNESCO and International Union of Geological Sciences’ recognition emphasises the crater’s exceptional significance on a global scale as well as within the Kingdom.
With its 3,000-meter diameter and surrounding Al Luhayan, Umm Rilan, and Zabna mountains, it was formed approximately 1.1 million years ago. The picturesque scene it creates captures the splendours of the kingdom’s natural surroundings.
A saltwater basin or small lake that was created by the buildup of rainwater is also present.Known by many names, including Maqla Tamiyyah and Al-Wahbah Crater, is a maar crater, a kind of volcanic site created by a phreatic eruption—a powerful steam explosion brought on by magma reacting with groundwater.
Maqla Tamiyyah, another name for Al-Wahbah Crater, is a part of a larger volcanic field that spans approximately 6,000 square kilometres and is made up of 175 volcanic cones that date back millions of years.Crater was selected from 64 countries’ worth of nominated locations.
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