Geology and Climate
The Southern Hauran basaltic region stretches across much of southern Syria south of Damascus as well as areas of northern Jordan, though the landscape varies in altitude and topography.
The local geology of Umm Al-Jimāl consists of a thick layer of basalt (c. 150–300m), formed during the late Tertiary and Quaternary periods (8.9 to .1 million years ago) from volcanic peaks and cones to the north. Beneath the basalt, which was not penetrated in antiquity, are deposits of sedimentary rock, primarily limestone.
The climate around the site is arid and desert-like, with precipitation limited primarily to the winter months (and, yes, snow is possible!); however, its location south of the Jebel Druze allows for additional water runoff to the directed south, collected, and stored. The soil, properly watered, is fertile, and the basaltic bedrock is a strong, durable construction material.
Environment of Umm Al-Jimāl
Umm Al-Jimāl in the spring (UJAP)
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Lichen on basalt stone (UJAP)
Flora and Fauna
Umm Al-Jimāl lies at an intersection of three eco-zones: the agricultural plain to the west and northwest, the mountainous slope to the north, and the desert to the east. Extensive deposits of fertile soil along with water run-off from the slopes of the Jebel Druze make the settlement part of the agricultural wheat-belt that extends to the west across the Golan in Syria and to Irbid in Jordan.
The most common flora visible at Umm Al-Jimāl and throughout the basalt desert is lichen of various types: this symbiotic combination of fungi and algae coats the dark basalt stone with a multi-colored encrustation which turns into a predominantly white calcium deposit under the sunlight and dry heat. In the shade, however, mosses can grow and thrive on the stone. In springtime, strands of stinging nettles and various grasses sprout up through crevices in the ruins. Another plant that appears at this time is mallow, known locally as khubeizeh, which is harvested by locals to make a nutritious spinach-like vegetable dish. Flowers such as iris, geraniums, golden henbane, harmal, and milfoil are also common in spring, but do not typically survive long in the summer heat.
Varieties of small lizards, beetles, and scorpions (aghrab) are common in the region. Larger animals include hedgehogs, barn owls and other birds such as colorful, crested hoopoe (al-hudhud), and desert foxes (wawi). However, with the encroachment of people, canines and felines on the natural habitat, the owls and foxes have become increasingly rare. For modern food and agricultural purposes, herds of sheep, goats, and camels are common sights, as are horses and cows. Historically, the area was home to grazing animals such as the gazelle, ibex, and oryx, now extinct in the region. The Shaumari nature preserve in Azraq, southeast of Umm Al-Jimāl, works to rebuild the population of such animals so they can be reintroduced to their traditional steppe and desert habitats.
Hoopoe bird (J. Cahill)
