Geoheritage and Geodiversity of Cenozoic Volcanic Fields in Saudi Arabia: Challenges of Geoconservation and Geotourism in a Changing Environment (Geoheritage, Geoparks and Geotourism)

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.

Károly Németh is an expert at the Saudi Geological Survey working on volcanology, geohazard, and geoheritage of volcanic fields of the Arabian Peninsula. He is also a senior researcher at the Institute of Earth Physics and Space Science, Hungary; Adjunct Professor of the Volcanic Risk Solutions, Massey University, New Zealand; and a research affiliate at the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, Italy. He is the Chairperson of the Geoconservation Trust Aotearoa Pacific, based in New Zealand. He was a member of the Executive Committee of the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of Earth Interior, leading its Volcaniclastic Sediments, Monogenetic Volcanism and Volcanic Geoheritage commissions. In 2024, he has been elected to be one of the co-leaders of the IAVCEI Commission on Volcano Geology. Currently, he is a vice president of the International Association of Sedimentologists and chair of the International Union of Geological Sciences’ Sub-commission on Geological Heritage Sites.

Mohammed Rashad H. Moufti is a geoscience consultant specializing in volcanology, geohazard assessment, and the preservation of geoheritage within Saudi Arabia's volcanic fields. Alongside his role as a research collaborator at the Geohazards Research Centre at King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia, he serves as the Director of Afaaq GeoConsulting. This organization offers comprehensive services and conducts research in the fields of volcanology, geotourism, and geoheritage throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Recognized for his expertise, Mohammed Rashad H Moufti has been elected as one of the co-leaders of the IAVCEI Commission on Volcano Geoheritage and Protected Volcanic Landscapes. Currently, he is actively engaged as an advisor for a significant Saudi project focused on establishing protected areas within the Al Madinah Region of Saudi Arabia. His responsibilities include the identification and designation of specific regions within this area to be developed as aspiring geoparks.