Deliverables Kamchatka: scientific investigation and protection of unique hydrothermal phenomena Kamchatka is probably 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 Geysirs is one of the few geysir areas worldwide. The area, closed even to Russian tourists until recently, is a prime site for tourism development. This scientifically diverse area, coupled with the natural beauty, abundant wildlife and the pristine environment have been the basis of an international study funded by INTAS(European Community). There are enormous pressures on the area however. A 100MWgeothermal power station is under construction in the Mutnovsky volcanic area, in an area of outstanding natural beauty, and 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 expansion of the city of Petrpavlovsk-Kamchatskiy. The hydrothermal area of Paratynka close to the city has considerable potential for recreation. A conflict therefore exists between possible economic interests and conservation. One National Park (Kronotsky), which includes Geysir Valley and the Uzon Caldera, has already been created and there is a need to protect other natural areas in the face of development. The results of this study, led by the Russian Academy of Sciences in Vladivostok (Far East Geological Institute and Pacific Institute of Geography) and in Petropavlovsk (Institute of Volcanology) and supported by the British Geological Survey and Trinity College Dublin, have initiated a proper scientific basis for the fuller understanding of the hydrothermal phenomena with advice on their protection in relation to development. The main focus of the study has been on natural waters which form a basis for current assessment of conditions and a baseline for future monitoring. The scientific papers and reports arising from the project and given below provide an up to date database and a detailed interpretation on certain areas. The Paratunka Basin contains cold and thermal waters controlled by several factors including geological setting and tectonic control, water-rock interaction and the influence of magmatic sources. The bulk of the Cl, Br, S, F,B, and I, are considered to come from volatiles in the volcanic system, whilst carbon dioxide and helium in gases of thermal waters are more likely to be of mantle origin. In the Central Kamchatka valley thermal waters at Malki and Apachi have been studied as well as the main characteristics of the surface waters. The thermal waters are slightly acidic and of Na-HCO3 type with relatively high Cl. The Malki cold mineral waters are typical high PCO2 waters which are widespread in the Far East of Russia. The Cvalues (-6.9 to -7.1 l ). are consistent with mantle sources for carbon. . The discharge of dissolved and suspended matter is rather different over different parts of the Kamchatkapeninsula. The main dissolved discharge is in the southern part of the Kamchatkapeninsula and connected with endogenic influence (volcanic and hydrothermalactivity) as well as elevated rainfall in the territory. The largest value ofsalt discharge anywhere in the Far East of Russia takes place from Kamchatka The Uzon Caldera Lake was studied in detail and aphysico-chemical model was proposed for native molten sulphur formation beneath the base of the hot lake. This model predicts that soon the hydrological characteristics of the lake will be changed. Should the pressure of the caldera lake water on the basal hydrothermal channels containing molten sulfur decrease, an increase in the temperature of hydrothermal fluids would create new phreatic eruptions. This model is probably typical for caldera lakes where the hydrothermal system is being fed from a shallow magmatic chamber. The results of the INTAS project were presented to the Regional Government of Kamchatka and recommendations have been made on the integration of our results in the management of the regional ecosystem as part of the Kamchatka Volcanoes World Heritage Site The INTAS project has acted as a catalyst for improved monitoring and production of a major guide book in English to the hydrothermal areas has been made possible with a second text planned on the water quality of Kamchatka using the INTAS database. Searching for OpenAIRE data... There was an error trying to search data from OpenAIRE No results available
