The article provides an algorithm for recovery of parameters of ash emissions (total volume and its height distribution) during explosive eruptions. The solution for the corresponding inverse task uses a multiple regression approach with minimal a prior information on the eruption dynamics. As an example, we consider a strong explosive event at Bezymianny Volcano, Kamchatka, on 24.12.2006. The estimations showed that the mass distribution for ash emission with heights was partially controlled by the emission of ash material inside the clouds from pyroclastic flows. This peculiarity was revealed as a bimodal distribution of the emission mass with maximums at the mid tropospheric and low stratospheric heights.

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.