Al Wahbah Crater: Saudi Arabia's Magnificent Natural Anomaly (image-facebook/People Of Saudi Arabia)
On a dark and stormy night, a lightning bolt illuminated the beauty of Qitn Mountain, making Tamya Mountain fall deeply in love with it. Promising to reunite with its beloved, Tamya’s jealous cousin, Shelman, shot it with an arrow. The heartbroken mountain fell into the ground, leaving a bowl-shaped depression behind. Or so goes the local folklore behind the Al Wahbah crater in Saudi Arabia.
In the northeast of the Red Sea city of Jeddah, there lies the little-known crater. Initially believed to have been formed by a meteor strike, geologists eventually discovered in the 1960s that it was a maar crater, formed due to volcanic activity.
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(image-X/FixedOpsGenius)
When a volcanic magma mixed with a subterranean water source, a massive underground steam explosion occurred, creating the crater that exists today. Over 800 feet deep and 2 km wide, the crater nestles a thick layer of dazzling white salt flat. When it rains, the sodium phosphate rises up to the surface, creating a milky look.
Even more fascinating is the green vegetation surrounding the bone-dry crater. Green palm trees and shrubs grow around the edge of the crater while the entire desert remains dry and barren.
With cliffs surrounding the deep crater, visitors are promised to get an incredible panoramic view of the Kingdom’s natural wonder.
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(image-Instagram/kbartolodrone)
Interestingly, the most recent volcanic eruption in the region is estimated to have occurred 10,000 years ago.
The Saudi Arabian tourist industry has built roads and markers leading to the site for all tourists, making the area a favourite spot for camping for many.
However, to reach this natural anomaly is a bit difficult. To reach the bottom of the crater, it takes roughly 45 to 60 minutes, and climbing back up takes roughly 90 minutes considering the slippery surface. It is best to visit the place in the morning or the evening to avoid scorching heat. Camping at night and stargazing is highly recommended. Al Wahbah witnesses very few visitors, but if you seek adventure, then this is the place. Not to mention that the result is simply worth it.
