Objectif Kamchatka is possibly the most geologically unique and scenic area of Russia. It contains over 20 active volcanoes, numerous hot springs and other hydrothermal manifestations. The Valley of the Geysers is one of the few geyser areas worldwide. The area, closed even to Russian tourists until recently, is a prime site for tourism development. The geological and hydrothermal manifestations are the key attractions for the area, coupled with the natural beauty, wildlife and the pristine environment. There are, however, enormous pressures on the area. A 100 MW geothermal power station is under construction in the Mutnovsky volcanic area, in an area of outstanding natural beauty and this is already having an environmental impact over a large scale. The area is also rich in minerals and two world-class gold deposits have been proved in the same area. There are also environmental pressures from the growing population of the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy.A conflict, therefore, exists between possible economic interests and conservation. One national park (Kronotsky), which includes the Valley of the Geysers, has already been created and there is a need to protect other natural areas in the face of development. A proper scientific basis is needed both for the fuller understanding of the hydrothermal phenomena and to give advice on their protection in relation to development.A detailed survey of the thermal waters and mineral springs together with their related geological setting will be carried out in two areas: Paratunka-Mutnovsky and the Kronotsky national park, south and north respectively of Petropavlovsk. Many surface waters of these regions are also unique on account of the hydrothermal and volcanic activity and their baseline characteristics will also form the subject of investigation. This project will provide up-to-date analyses, since so far the only data available are from old Russian sources. A geographic information system (GIS) will be set up to compile and make accessible the ancilliary geographical data in the National park and other sensitive areas, including regional land cover from satellite imagery, geology (volcanology), hydrogeology, hydrography, topography, vegetation and faunal habitats in need of conservation, land use (especially mining and exploitative activities), and socioeconomic data. This will be conducted in conjunction with the regional government of Kamchatka as well as the Kronotsky national park. Land use planning maps (1 : 100,000) will be produced to define areas better for conservation. The results of the project will form the basis for a Russian/English report or book on the potential for conservation and tourism in the area of Kamchatka. At the same time, the potential impact of any mineral exploitation in the region will be assessed so that the environmental consequences can be minimised. High quality geochemical and hydrochemical analysis of the thermal waters and other natural waters will be produced. Programme(s) IC-INTAS - International Association for the promotion of cooperation with scientists from the independent states of the former Soviet Union (INTAS), 1993- Thème(s) 57 - Environmental Management and Pollution Control Appel à propositions Data not available Régime de financement Data not available Coordinateur NERC British Geological Survey Contribution de l’UE Aucune donnée Adresse Crowmarsh Gifford OX10 8BB Wallingford Royaume-Uni Voir sur la carte Coût total Aucune donnée Participants (4) Trier par ordre alphabétique Trier par contribution de l’UE Tout développer Tout réduire Russian Academy of Sciences Russie Contribution de l’UE Aucune donnée Adresse 690022 Vladivostok Voir sur la carte Coût total Aucune donnée Russian Academy of Sciences Russie Contribution de l’UE Aucune donnée Adresse 683006 Petropavlovsk - Kamchatsky Voir sur la carte Coût total Aucune donnée Russian Academy of Sciences - Far East Branch Russie Contribution de l’UE Aucune donnée Adresse 690022 Vladivostok Voir sur la carte Coût total Aucune donnée Trinity College Dublin Irlande Contribution de l’UE Aucune donnée Adresse 2 Dublin Voir sur la carte Coût total Aucune donnée
