Scientific Basis of the Geoheritage and Geotouristic Values of the 641 AD Al Madinah Eruption Site in the Al Madinah Volcanic Field, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

Recent volcanological and volcanic hazard studies on the youngest volcanic fields in the western Arabian Peninsula, such as the Al Madinah Volcanic Field (AMVF) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, resulted in the systematic evaluation, characterization and recording of their volcanic geoheritage. The two youngest volcanic eruptions of the AMVF were in 641 AD and 1256 AD, as documented in historic records. Both eruption sites are located nearby the holy city of Al Madinah and therefore offer a unique opportunity to develop geoheritage, geoconservation and geotourism projects. Here we present geological evidence to justify the location of a visitor and education center at the 641 AD eruption site, a future gateway to the proposed Al Madinah Volcanic Geopark. The inferred location of the 641 AD eruption consists of four cones that are located in a suburban area of Al Madinah city, outside of its “haram” area (an area restricted for Muslims only). The four cones formed through a broad array of volcanic processes that represent a complete spectrum of the volcanic processes recorded in the whole AMVF. Here we provide a detailed description of the volcanic features of these four cones and contrast these features with the broader volcanic heritage of the AMVF to provide a strong scientific basis to the establishment of a visitor and geoeducation center in the vicinity of these four cones. We also provide some basic data on the potential benefit and touristic value of such a project as a potential gateway to the newly proposed Harrat Al Madinah Volcanic Geopark.

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