Based on detailed volcanological and tephrochronological investigations, parameters of catastrophic eruptions of the Molodoy Shiveluch volcano accompanied by formation of the giant debris avalanches in 1430, 1854, and 1964 have been evaluated and pre-history of their preparation has been reconstructed. Considerable attention has been given to the description of the 1964 explosive-collapse debris avalanche and a new mechanism of its formation is suggested. It is shown that similar mechanism was typical of the other two debris avalanches. Appearance of the giant debris avalanches was predetermined by various forms of andesite magma existence and by regularities of eruptive activity of the volcano in Holocene. Power and geologic-geomorphological effect of the 1854 eruption as well as size and volume of the associated debris avalanches have been revised and estimated as decreasing. Based upon productivity of the Molodoy Shiveluch volcano in XIX-XX centuries the next eruption of the 1964 type is supposed to happen in 60-90 years.

The paper presents data on identified and described short-term local (1955−1976) enhanced volcanic activity within the Northern Group at the Central Kamchatka Depression and regional disasters (1907-1976), clearly revealed within Kamchatka Peninsular and the Kurile Islands. In scale (volume is about 9 km3, weight of erupted and replaced productswas calculated to be about 16×109 t), the local volcanic disaster was the most powerful in Kamchatka and Kurile Islands over the period of the last 2000 years. This volume exceeds 80% of ~19×109 t totally erupted by all volcanoes over the same period of time. Over the period 1907−1976, the Kamchatka and Kurile volcanoes erupted and transported about 29.5×109 t of juvenile and resurgent material while other volcanoes in the world erupted about 122×109 t.

The actual collective monograph presents the results of both theoretical and experimental studies of the multi-disciplinary problem on volcanic hazard assessment and development of techniques for prediction of catastophic eruptions. The volcanism of Kamchatka and other regions of Russia has been analyzed. On the basis of geological, volcanological and tephrachronological studies including radiocarbon dating, there have been defined certain groups of volcanoes on different stages of evolution. At the same time the problem of determination of the internal structure of volcanic dome using modem theoretical methods and technologies is well investigated. The new techniques of estimation of volcanic hazard were developed. Whenever ti is required, theoretical approaches are confirmed by results of in-field observations.

The book will satisfy the needs of Earth sciences specialists from a variety of backgrounds, volcanology, geo-mechanics, ecology, industrial constuction applications and hazard assessment.

The paper reports the appearance of a new crater lake on the Ebeko volcano. There has been no thermal lake within the Northern Crater since mid-2006. The last eruption began on October 19, 2016 and ended on November 19, 2021. The pyroclastic cone of the new crater, which was named Korbut Crater, rose within the Northern Crater. There was strong fumarolic activity in the Korbut crater, which persists today. The lake in the still erupting Korbut crater was first recorded by the authors on a satellite image from September 17, 2021; already on a satellite image from September 25, the crater was dry again. After the end of the Ebeko eruption, due to the intensive flow of fluid with bottom fumaroles and due to a large amount of meteoric precipitation, a lake was formed in the Korbut crater (Sentinel 2 satellite data of December 11, 2021). In January 2022, the authors examined the Korbut crater: the diameters of the lake were 61 and 80 m (latitude and meridian, respectively), the mirror area was 4.5 thousand m2, and water temperature was 43°C. A brief literature review of the existence of thermal lakes on the northern flank of the Ebeko volcano is given.