Since 2011, experts from IVS FEB RAS, SRI RAS, CC FEB RAS and FE Planeta RC are operating and developing the “Remote monitoring of Volcanic Activity in Kamchatka and the Kurile Islands” (VolSatView) information sys-tem that utilize all the available satellite data, weather and video observations to ensure continues monitoring and study of volcanic activity in Kamchatka and the Kurile Islands. This paper provides the capabilities of VolSatView for real-time monitoring of volcanoes, analysis of eruptions dynamics and their products, and forecasting of eruptive activity.

The monograph presents various data about the volcanoes of Kamchatka and describes the possibilities of studying them based on the integrated use of remote sensing, ground-based observation and numerical simulation methods and technologies. Considerable attention is paid to the construction and application of the information systems that today provide operational monitoring and studies of volcanic activity, which have been jointly developed in the recent years by the experts from the Institute of Volcanology and Seismology of the Far East Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IVS FEB RAS) (Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky), Space Research Institute RAS (Moscow), Computing Center FEB RAS (Khabarovsk) and the Far East Branch of the Research Center “Planetа” (Khabarovsk). The results of complex studies of explosive volcanic eruptions and the potential hazards of the Kamchatkan active volcanoes to the population and aviation are presented which are obtained by the scientists of IVS FEB RAS, particularly exploring the new methods, technologies and systems described in the monograph.

There are 36 active volcanoes in Kamchatka and Northern Kuriles, from 3 to 8 volcano eruptions occur here every year. Daily satellite monitoring of volcanoes has been performed by the Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT) since 1997 in cooperation with colleagues from the Alaska Volcano Observatory (USA). Since 2002, KVERT scientists have processing and analyzing primary images of satellite systems NOAA (AVHRR), TERRA and AQUA (MODIS), etc. in close–to–real time to detect ash plumes and thermal anomalies on active volcanoes. The multiparameter analysis of the available published information about volcanoes, as well as visual and satellite data obtained by KVERT scientists during 24 years of daily monitoring of volcanic activity, made it possible to identify the main features of the activity at each of the active volcanoes and assess their degree of danger for air transportation and population of the peninsula. With the creation in 2011 of the information system “Remote monitoring activity of volcanoes of Kamchatka and the Kuriles (VolSatView)”, volcanologists opportunity have the opportunities that have no analogues in the world to conduct satellite observations of active volcanoes. VolSatView combines a wide range of data from various satellite systems coming from different sources and allows us to process operational and retrospective satellite information directly in the web–interface by means of specially created tools, to compare it with video information, to simulate ash plumes propagation, to classify various volcanogenic objects and etc. VolSatView enables to solve problems at different levels — from on–line monitoring of volcanoes activity to the fundamental problems in volcanology. The character of volcanic activity changes and the actuality of solving the problem of “how the volcano works” remain. To accomplish this task and for searching precursors of explosive volcanic eruptions, it is necessary to continue long–term remote observations of the volcanoes in the region; to study changes in their activity with time; to compare behavior of volcanoes supplying the eruptive products of similar and contrast compositions to the earth surface.

The first historical eruption of Kambalny volcano began on March 24, 2017 with a powerful ash emission up to 6 km above sea level from the pre-summit crater. According to tephrochronology, it is assumed that the strong eruptions of the volcano occurred 200 (?) and 600 years ago. The maximum intensity of ash emission occurred on 25–26 March: uninterrupted plume laden with ash particles spread over several thousand kilometers, changing the direction of propagation from the volcano from the south-west to the south and south-east. On 27–29 March, the ash plume extended to the west, on 30 March – to the southeast, and on April 02 – to the east of the volcano. On March 31 and April 01, the volcano was relatively quiet. The resumption of the volcano activity after two days of rest was expressed in powerful ash emissions up to 7 km above sea level. A small ash plume was noted on 04 April, and powerful ash emissions up to 7 km above sea level occurred on 09 April. The area of ashes on the land was 1300 km2, the total area covered by ash falls, for example, on 25 March, – 650 thousand km2. To observe the Kambalny volcano eruption we used mainly satellite images of medium resolution available in the information system "Monitoring activity of volcanoes of Kamchatka and Kurile Islands" (VolSatView).

The Eastern and Southern zones of Kamchatka arc presented in the second volume. They are characterized by a weaker activity, and their volcanoes arc not as large and powerful as those of the Northern Group. But volcanic manifestations here are more diverse. Half of the volcanoes are connected with collapse calderas. Huge hydrothermal systems are here too. Among them, the famous Valley of Geisers is one of the most picturesque places on Earth.
The book is abounded with colour photographs, maps, schemes, and sketches. They enable the reader to catch uniqueness of these colourful sights and will be of interest not only for specialists in volcanology and geology, but also to a great number of nature lovers.