Waw an Namus: a Volcano in Libya?

posted on: May 14, 2021

By Ruqyah Sweidan, Arab America Contributing Writer

Waw an Namus is an extinct volcanic crater located in a remote area of Libya. This is likely the first time you are hearing of this, as we tend to think that volcanoes are mainly located on tropical islands. Nevertheless, this volcano, or rather a remain of this volcano, is quite special.

It is located in the center of the Sahara desert. The Waw Namus volcanic field is about four km wide, and it is surrounded by a ten – to – twenty – km wide dark-black deposit of ash. When visiting the site, it is easy to notice how the feature stands out starkly against the yellow desert. On the floor of the caldera (where the main volcano chamber was), there is a 120-meter high cinder cone, the apparent source of the ash, as well as three small salty, colored lakes.

History of Waw an Namus

The name “Waw an-Namus” means the Oasis or Crater of Mosquitoes. If you visit, just make sure to have plenty of bug repellent. Nevertheless, the sight is breathtaking!

The formation of the Waw an Namus is still being studied. Volcanism in the Sahara is mainly composed of theories to explain the presence of volcanoes like Waw an Namus. Its age is also being debated. However, it is known that the central cone is relatively young, likely a few thousand years ago. Radiometric dating of the site as a whole indicates an age of about 200,000 years.

Contrary to what one might assume about the Sahara desert, it was actually a common phenomenon for water to be accessible. The Namus crater provides water at nearly the same elevation as salt lakes. This scarce source of water feeds the lakes and was also used by travelers in the past. Due to the presence of fresh water at this remote volcano, Waw an Namus was always an important stop for the caravans en route from Waw Al-Kabir to Rebiana and Al Kufrah, all of which are major areas across Libya.

Nature of Waw an Namus

Even seen from space, the Waw an Namus images are exotic and spectacular. In addition to the dark backdrop of ash and rock, inside the caldera, lie three glinting lakes surrounded by flecks of green. If you are approaching by foot, you’ll first walk through the moonscape of the ash and tephra (melded material released by eruptions). At the heart of the landscape is the deep caldera and scoria cone (the vent through which the eruption exits). Once at the caldera rim, you will behold three lakes, a few smaller bodies of water, and fields of palms, reeds, and swamp vegetation.

Visiting Waw an Namus

This hidden gem is located deep in the Sahara Desert in the Fezzan region of southwestern Libya. Libya’s vast deserts were bustling trade zones. Thus, this site served as a great refreshment source. To visit it today would be an experience in both history and natural wonder. Next time you think about travelling across the deserts of North Africa, stop over to get a close look at the magnificent remains of a large volcano.

Check out Arab America’s blog here!