JEDDAH: The Saudi Geological Survey (SGS) has ruled out the probability of the occurrence of volcanic or seismic activity in the Kingdom during the next two years, contrary to the predictions of the United States Geological Survey (USGS). In a statement it issued Sunday, the SGS said the prediction that seismic or volcanic activity may occur needs continuous monitoring on the ground for all variables that may give indications if such an occurrence is near, despite the likelihood that it may not take place at all. The SGS said it is possible to predict a volcanic eruption in a short period before its occurrence if there is continuous ground monitoring of all phenomena like seismic activities and thermal activities, distortions of the earth's crust, gas emissions and any gathered scientific data, observations and studies. Until such studies are made, the SGS said whatever predictions the USGS has made are mere opinion not supported by confirmed scientific facts. The SGS said the scoria volcanoes in the Kingdom's lava fields (Harrat) are of the type that erupts only once and remains dormant after that. Scoria volcanoes, of which there are hundreds in the Kingdom, have the least intensity in classification when they erupt. It said that the Rahaat lava field (Harrat Rahaat) is located between Madina in the north and the suburbs of Jeddah and Makkah in the south. The southern and central parts of Harrat Rahaat in the northern side of Makkah are older, not active and are not expected to erupt once again. Moreover, many of these volcanoes have been damaged by erosion and some of them have lost their original features. The SGS said it has been monitoring seismic and volcanic activity in the northern part of Harrat Rahaat near Madina besides the lava fields (Harrat) of Khaibar, Al-Shaaqah and Owairidh. It is also observing changes that accompany any activity, including distortion of the earth's crust and the measurement of gas emissions. The agency also monitors any changes in the earth's temperature by observing wells and make other studies to be able to predict any likely volcanic eruption. The SGS issued the statement in reply to what has been widely circulate in the print media and electronic newspapers, televisions and e-mails citing a report by the USGS on the possible volcanic eruptions in Al-Eiss in the next two years. The reports said that Madina, Yanbu and other governorates in the Kingdom will be affected by such eruptions.
