This book records the geoheritage values of globally significant, yet little-known, volcanic geosites in Saudi Arabia. It is the first of its kind to focus on the Middle East, clearly showing the hidden geoheritage value of the volcanic Arabian Peninsula’s harrats and demonstrating why the Saudi Arabian volcanic fields are unique. Along with the systematic geosite description, the book introduces scientifically founded geoeducational programs that can be used to develop our understanding of volcanic geoheritage values of volcanic fields. It offers a detailed and comprehensive research-based description of four of the most accessible volcanic harratts in Saudi Arabia and an additional summary of other more remote fields. Additionally, it discusses geoeducational programs that could be used to link these volcanic areas and use them in volcanic hazard education.

This book records the geoheritage values of globally significant, yet little-known, volcanic geosites in Saudi Arabia. It is the first of its kind to focus on the Middle East, clearly showing the hidden geoheritage value of the volcanic Arabian Peninsula’s harrats and demonstrating why the Saudi Arabian volcanic fields are unique. Along with the systematic geosite description, the book introduces scientifically founded geoeducational programs that can be used to develop our understanding of volcanic geoheritage values of volcanic fields. It offers a detailed and comprehensive research-based description of four of the most accessible volcanic harratts in Saudi Arabia and an additional summary of other more remote fields. Additionally, it discusses geoeducational programs that could be used to link these volcanic areas and use them in volcanic hazard education.

The nature and origin of the small-scale volcanic systems, generally referred to as 'monogenetic', have enjoyed an elevated level of interest during the past decade. There has been recognition that their ostensibly simple volcano types are a window into the nature of explosive volcanism, landscape evolution and the processes of magma generation in the Earth’s upper mantle. In the past few years, major conferences have offered specialized technical sessions dealing with monogenetic volcanism and there have been thematic conferences, such as the IAVCEI International Maar Conference series, which have provided a focus for discussion of volcanological and geochemical aspects of small-scale basaltic volcanism. Many new aspects of monogenetic volcanism have emerged and have clearly demonstrated that this volcanism can be very complex on a fine scale. This book is a collection of papers arising from two recent Maar Conferences (the fifth in Queretaro Mexico and the sixth in Changchun, China) and serves as a snapshot of current research on monogenetic volcanism.

A comprehensive overview of Saudi Arabia‘s environment, this volume is a unique and authoritative text on the geological and environmental aspects of Saudi Arabia, a country about which little is known by the outside world. Saudi Arabia is a fascinating country with a long tradition of environmental awareness and sensitivity, pitted again

Saudi Arabia hosts at least six major volcanic fields located on the western margin of the Arabian Peninsula. The volcanic surface covered is comparable to about a fifth of the land surface of the country and the distinct appearance of the volcanic landscape of the region is deeply engraved in the geo-cultural perspective of the territory. Volcanic fields, especially their extensive lava fields form one of the largest if not the largest volcanic region on Earth, which are occupied by the most common volcanic landforms not only on Earth but the known Solar System. Volcanic fields are a vital part of the geoheritage and geodiversity elements of the Arabian Peninsula and beyond in the Middle East. Here we provide the most up-to-date overview of the geoheritage and geoheritage elements of these huge volcanic provinces both qualitative and quantitative outlines of their geodiversity and link to biodiversity. The volcanic province will be treated from the ecosystem, and geosystem services perspective and explore the challenges of such a concept in a region that is primarily industry and resource-based economy driven. This book will look beyond the traditional approach of describing geoheritage of volcanic regions as it will provide a conceptual framework for dispersed volcanic fields where scale and scope to define and estimate the value of geoheritage requires different approaches than those applied for long-lived polygenetic volcanoes. This book aims to provide a succinct overview of geoheritage and geodiversity aspects of monogenetic volcanic fields tested in an area globally outstanding and volcanically active. The book intends to be a good specialist handbook for a broad range of audiences from geologists, volcanologists, natural hazard experts, geoconservation experts, social geology experts, geotourism operators, and heritage researchers. The book will be a valuable resource for anyone directly or indirectly involved or wish to be involved in local development projects or experts looking for external information to apply to volcanic fields elsewhere.

The aim of this book is to provide an overview of topics related to the extensive geoheritage of hot springs, their natural environments, and their integration into commercial and industrial functions. The eleven chapters explore aspects of historical and cultural traditions, geology and geochemistry, research updates, conservation issues and of course health, wellness, and recreation throughout time. Because natural hot springs and active hydrothermal areas play a significant role in the tourism industry, visitor expectations are examined together with an assessment of common hazards and potential risks in active hydrothermal environments, along with recommendations how to stay safe. For the purpose of showcasing certain unique features, to share noteworthy events and developments or to identify concerns associated with the sustainability of natural water source, examples of particular hot spring areas are included in several chapters. One chapter is also dedicated entirely to the protection of natural hot springs and raises awareness for conservation, while another chapter reviews the history of hot springs in great detail to establish a realistic and justifiable timeline of their original use. Lastly, the significance of natural hot springs for various tourism sectors is analysed and the potential for sustainable future destination development in rural and remote regions is discussed. Many locations were considered and invite the reader to use the information as a reference point in the quest to further explore the remarkable natural and cultural geoheritage of hot springs worldwide.