Geoheritage Values of Silicic Volcanoes Within Western Arabia’s Dominantly Mafic Cenozoic Monogenetic Volcanic Fields

Abstract Monogenetic volcanism is a prevalent form of intracontinental volcanic activity, primarily driven by mafic magma such as basalt. This type of volcanism typically involves small volumes of magma sourced from deep regions that ascend rapidly to the surface. In these environments, silicic (acidic/felsic) volcanism is generally absent or constitutes only a minor portion of the total magmatic output. The increased viscosity and volatile content of silicic magmas yield markedly different volcano types and rock varieties, contributing to both complexity and morphological diversity across substantial intracontinental regions. The presence of unique silicic volcanic corridors within predominantly basic or mafic volcanic fields is of significant scientific interest, as it reflects variations in magma genesis and transport during the lifespan of a volcanic field. This heightened scientific focus underscores the geoheritage value of such silicic volcanism. Western Saudi Arabia hosts at least 13 expansive, primarily basic or mafic volcanic fields formed since the Miocene epoch, covering an area exceeding 100,000 km 2 . Among these, three of the most mature and long-lived fields feature well-defined silicic volcanic clusters that provide significant additional geoheritage values and open geotourism opportunities across extensive regions in western Arabia.