Harrat Rahat
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| Harrat Rahat | |
|---|---|
Satellite picture of the northern part of the lava field | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,744 m (5,722 ft) |
| Coordinates | 23°5′0″N 39°47′0″E / 23.08333°N 39.78333°E |
| Naming | |
| Native name | حَرَّة رَهَاط (Arabic) |
| Geography | |
![]() | |
| Location | Hejaz, Saudi Arabia |
| Geology | |
| Mountain type | Volcanic field |
| Last eruption | June to July 1256 |
Ḥarrat Rahāṭ[1] (Arabic: حَرَّة رَهَاط) is a volcanic lava field in the Hejazi region of Saudi Arabia. In 1256 CE, a 0.5 km3 (0.12 cu mi) lava flow erupted from six aligned scoria cones, and traveled 23 km (14 miles) to within 4 km (2.5 miles) of the Islamic holy city of Medina; this was its last eruption. There were earlier eruptions, such as in 641 CE, which made finger-like flows to the east of the 1256 CE flow.[2] It is the biggest lava field in Saudi Arabia.[3] Nearby is Al Wahbah crater.
There has been recent increase in seismic activity since 2009.[4]
