There is a chain of high mountains that extend from Musandam Governorate in the north to South Al Sharqiyah Governorate in the south, for about 650 kms. Behind these mountains, water flows into dozens of valleys that represent a source of biodiversity in the Sultanate.
The geology of the Hajar mountain range in northern Oman is diverse, as it includes all types of rocks from different eras, starting from the Precambrian era (542 million years ago) to the Cenozoic era (from 65 million years ago to this era).
The group of rocks of the Precambrian era is among the oldest rocks.
The sedimentary rocks that appear in Oman are found in the nucleus of the Dome of the Al Jabal Al Akhdar Mountain and Saih Hatat, and the rocks of the Mistal component are the oldest sedimentary rocks found in the Sultanate of Oman, which are sandy, volcanic, and pillow lava rocks whose thickness exceeds 1000 metres.
Most of the rocks of the Hajar mountain range consist of rocks from the Al Hajar which are carbonate rocks, and rocks from the Al Hawasna and Ophiolite groups, whose formation dates back to the Mesozoic era.
The Hajar rocks and ophiolites are the most exposed rocks on the surface.
The Western Al Hajar mountain range is considered the highest and steepest mountain range in Oman. It was formed by violent tectonic movements accompanied by folding and cracking, and water erosion increased its discontinuity to make its shapes sharp. Most of its rocks consist of ophiolite rocks.
As soon as you walk or hike on a reconnaissance tour in one of the valleys, you will often see different types of rocks that are decorated in gray and white, and these rocks are often smooth and slippery. These types of rocks can be clearly seen in more than one area, including, for example, Wadi Dima, Wadi Al Arabieen and Wadi Al Hooqain.
These rocks are formed in these valleys in unique shapes.
These rock formations add an aesthetic touch to these natural sites. Many tourists, especially those specialising in the field of eco-tourism, who go to these sites to document them and enjoy their beauty.
TEXT & PHOTOS BY YAHYA ALSALMANI
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