A lava field near Wa'bah Crater

Saudi Arabia is world's one of the major volcanic regions that began 30 million years back when Africa split from Arabian subcontinent that resulted in the formation of Red Sea. These volcanic activity continued until modern times. The latest recorded volcanic activity in Saudi Arabia was said to be happened in 1256 AD.

Driving through the provinces of Makkah, Madinah and Tabuk, you will come across vast lava fields of massive lava flows and black harsh terrains. Trekking the off roads, volcanic cones of different shapes and sizes could be found.

Lave flow detail north of the crater

The individual lava fields in Arabia are known as 'Harrats' and this area is part of Harrat Kishb.

The saltpan at the bottom of the crater.

The white substance at the bottom of the crater is sodium phosphate crystals.  A few years back the center had been totally white which is slightly going off by the course of time, it seems.

A recent visit again to the crater showed drastic changes in the saltpan at the bottom. The pure white color is dimmed and carries a muddy tint.