Viewing page 61 of 105

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

T133
Atlas p. 9

Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia
Volcanoes, calderas, lava flows, faults, glaciers

Significance: The Kamchatka is one of the most active segments in the Pacific Ring of Fire. Over 100 volcanoes, of which approximately 15 to 20 are active, have been identified. Two volcanoes have been almost continuously active for the past few years: Shiveluch (the northernmost volcano) and Klyuchevskaya. Klyuchevskaya erupted spectacularly during STS-68.

In addition to volcanic activity, over 150 earthquakes have occurred in this region during the last 200 years. Several collaborative projects now exist between Russia and U.S. geologists. The Kamchatka volcanologists, as well as U.S.--based scientists have taken great interest in the Shuttle images of Kamchatka.

Physical Characteristics: The eastern and western ranges of the Sredinnyy Khrebet, separated by a depression which contains the Kamchatka River, form the spine of the Kamchatka Peninsula. Most of the volcanoes in the western range are extinct and exhibit various stages of erosion. The main belt of volcanic activity has, however, shifted to the eastern range which is dominated by cone-shaped volcanic peaks. The higher elevations are glaciated. Bordered by sand and gravel beaches and numerous lagoons, the coastal plain shoreline of the western lowlands is relatively smooth. The eastern coastline is indented by several bays and natural harbors.

Observation Techniques: Using the 250-mm lens, take stereoscopic images with 60 percent overlap. A main region of interest is the central spine of Kamchatka. The volcanoes here are small cinder cones and inconspicuous lava flows not large cones and calderas, as found along the eastern shore. The 100-mm lens provides an excellent synoptic view of the entire peninsula and the swampy plains along the western shore. Dirty snow on the summits of volcanoes suggests recent eruptions. Because sun angles are generally low, winter photography is good for structures highlighted by shadows. Summertime albedos are quite low, so f-stops will need to be opened accordingly.

Center point: 56.5°N, 159°E