Harrat Lunayyir, Volcanic field in northwestern Saudi Arabia

Harrat Lunayyir is a lava field in northwestern Saudi Arabia, in the Al-'Is governorate of Medina Province. Its dark blue-black solidified lava spreads in jagged lobes across pale tan, gray and brown ground, widest in the middle with narrow arms reaching up, down and to the left. A few small, lighter circular depressions sit within the dark rock near the lower right, and the surrounding surface is rough and mottled with lighter streaks.

The field formed millions of years ago from repeated volcanic eruptions and remains geologically active today. In 2009, earthquakes and ground movements prompted the displacement of residents and drew significant scientific attention to the site.

The lava field is also called Harrat al-Shaqa, after a nearby settlement, and was formerly known as Liwa al-Rayn: liwa for a winding place, Rayn for a plant found on the field. The Arabic name Lunayyir refers to the dark volcanic terrain itself.

The lava field lies in Al-Is governorate, Medina Province, northwest Saudi Arabia, near the town of Al-Is. Access is by desert road; the 2009 fissures opened in the ground and the area is treated as volcanically active, so check with local authorities before going and avoid closed zones. Carry water and wear sturdy footwear for the rough basalt.

The lava field is also known as Harrat ash-Shaqah, after a nearby settlement, and older sources call it Liwa ar-Rayn, a name referring to a winding place and to a plant found in the lava field. The 2009 earthquake swarm opened visible fissures at the surface.