Saudi Arabia's Waba Crater Earns Spot Among Global Top 100 Geological Landmarks

The Saudi Geological Survey (SGS) has announced that the Waba Crater, also known as the Tamiya Quarry or scientifically as the Al-Mar Volcano, has been selected as one of the top 100 geological heritage sites in the world for 2024. This recognition was given by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) and UNESCO.

Tariq Abaalkhail, an official spokesperson for SGS, confirmed that a committee of 89 global experts evaluated and selected the crater from among 174 nominated sites. These nominations were submitted by 64 countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United States, Italy, Canada, New Zealand, China, Iceland, Egypt, and Finland.

The Waba Crater is located in Hurrat Khishb, approximately 270 km northeast of Jeddah. It is considered one of the largest and most magnificent volcanic craters in the world. The crater is part of a monogenetic volcanic field that includes 175 small volcanoes with ages ranging from 2 million to a few hundred thousand years.

Abaalkhail highlighted that the Waba Crater itself was formed about 1.1 million years ago. It has a depth of around 250 meters and a diameter of 2.3 kilometers, which is about three times larger than the average diameter of other volcanoes. The crater also contains a saline basin or shallow lake formed due to rainwater accumulation.

The selection of Waba Crater as a top geological heritage site underscores its importance in promoting geological tourism and advancing geological sciences. Abaalkhail emphasized that such sites provide unique opportunities to disseminate knowledge in earth sciences.

The Waba Crater's inclusion among the top geological heritage sites worldwide serves as an inspiring destination for tourists and researchers alike. This recognition not only highlights its natural beauty but also its scientific value.

In conclusion, this distinction by IUGS and UNESCO marks a significant achievement for Saudi Arabia's geological heritage. The Waba Crater stands out as a remarkable natural wonder contributing to both tourism and scientific research.

With inputs from SPA