During 1988 gas samples were collected by one technique from the following volcanic fumaroles within the Pacific ocean ring: Momotombo (Nikaragua), the White Island and Raul (New Zealand), Sheveluch (Kamchatka) and Ebeko (the Ku-rile Islands). Gas temperature of fumaroles varied between 92° and 882° C. In this connection, oseveral types of fumaroles were distinguished: magmatic - high temperature (850° C), .mean temperature (300-500° C), low temperature (100-120° C), and aqueous carbon dioxide low temperature (100°C). Independently of the state of activity, location and evolution stage of volcanoes, the atomic composition beeing similar, the molecular ratios of volcanic gases are controlled by mineral buffers of partial oxygen pressure!. The paper is of interest in searching for eruption precur-sors in the change of gas composition when visible variations of fumarole temperature are lacking

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.