Well of Barhout ("Well of Hell") in Al-Mahra, Yemen

  • Thread starter Thread starter Astronuc
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
The Well of Barhout, located in Al-Mahra, Yemen, is a notable geological feature resembling a cavern rather than a typical sinkhole. It reaches depths of 100 to 200 meters and spans 30 meters in length. The well is characterized by the presence of noxious gases and low oxygen levels, with its origins remaining uncertain. The Smithsonian Volcanic Program indicates that the Hadhramaut region has an old volcanic field, although the timing of the last eruption is unknown, suggesting a prehistoric activity. The formation of sinkholes, which can occur due to the collapse of caverns, may explain the well's structure.
Astronuc
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
Messages
22,399
Reaction score
7,253
Another interesting and unique feature on the Earth's surface is the Well of Barhout. It is described as a sink hole, but looks more like a cavern, in the middle of the desert. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Well_of_Barhout
Location: Al-Mahra, near Hadhramaut, Yemen
Coordinates: 17°20′25″N, 52°26′38″E
Depth: 100–200 m (330–660 ft)
Length: 30 m (98 ft)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hadhramaut

Apparently, there are noxious gases emanating from the cavern and little oxygen in the depths. Origins are unknown/uncertainty.

The Smithsonian Volcanic Program reports an old volcanic field in Hadhramaut region. https://volcano.si.edu/volcano.cfm?vn=231180
The last eruption is unknown, so perhaps it was prehistoric.

https://phys.org/news/2021-06-danger-demons-yemen-mysterious-hell.html
https://news.yahoo.com/well-hell-gaping-desert-hole-122159139.html
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210621-danger-and-demons-yemen-s-mysterious-well-of-hell

Maybe an extinct volcano?

 

Attachments

  • Well(Pit)ofBarhout,Al-Mahra,Yemen.png
    Well(Pit)ofBarhout,Al-Mahra,Yemen.png
    86 KB · Views: 226
  • Well(Pit)ofBarhout,Al-Mahra,Yemen_wide.png
    Well(Pit)ofBarhout,Al-Mahra,Yemen_wide.png
    92.1 KB · Views: 219
  • Well(Pit)ofBarhout,Al-Mahra,Yemen_wider.png
    Well(Pit)ofBarhout,Al-Mahra,Yemen_wider.png
    152.9 KB · Views: 225
  • Well(Pit)ofBarhout,Al-Mahra,Yemen_widerer.png
    Well(Pit)ofBarhout,Al-Mahra,Yemen_widerer.png
    135 KB · Views: 236
Earth sciences news on Phys.org
Astronuc said:
It is described as a sink hole, but looks more like a cavern, in the middle of the desert.
Sink holes are often caused by collapsed caverns.
 

Similar threads

Mathematica This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 228)
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Mathematica This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 228)
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K