Photogrammetric Survey in Volcanology: A Case Study for Kamchatka Active Volcanoes

The photogrammetric method has been used to study active volcanoes in Kamchatka for more than 100 years. It is still the most effective method for consistently monitoring short-term changes in the morphology of volcanic structures and for obtaining accurate parameters of eruptions. This chapter shows the specific features of photogrammetry application in volcanological research and development of this method in the context of investigating Kamchatkan volcanoes. We also present the results of the study of volcanic objects with various morphologies, composition, and types of activity with regard to the specific features of the 2001–2012 growth of the dome at Molodoy Shiveluch Volcano, the effects of the 1975–1976 Great Tolbachik Fissure Eruption and of the 2012–2013 Tolbachik Fissure Eruption, the morphodynamics of Troitsky Crater on Maly Semyachik Volcano, and the morphological changes of Akademii Nauk Caldera after the catastrophic 1996 eruption. The chapter shows the way forward for the development of the photogrammetric method in volcanology

Баланс массы ледника Козельский на Камчатке за 1977–2022 гг.

The change in the volume of the Kozelsky Glacier in Kamchatka for the period 1977–2022 (1977–2015 and 2015–2022) was estimated using historical data and modern DEM. During this period, the area of the glacier did not change much. At the same time, its length increased by about 0.7 km, while the width decreased over its almost whole extent. The volume of the glacier decreased by 34.15 ± 6.74 million m3, and its surface became lower by 17.30 m, on the average. The cumulative mass balance amounted 14.70 ± 3.94 m w.e., and the mean annual value –0.33 m w.e. yr–1. In the last 45 years, the ice loss and redistribution to lower hypsometric levels took place on the Kozelsky Glacier. In 1977–2015, the average area change in the altitude of the glacier surface was equal to –17.84 m, the volume decreased by 35.21 ± 7.20 million m3, the cumulative mass balance amounted –15.16 ± 4.17 m w.e., and the mean annual balance –0.40 m w.e. yr–1. In the period 2015–2022, an elevation of the glacier surface was recorded by 0.59 ± 1.55 m on the average, the volume increased by 1.01 ± 2.65 million m3, the cumulative mass balance amounted to 0.50 ± 1.35 m w.e., and the mean annual balance – to 0.07 m w.e. yr–1. During the last decade, a slowdown in the movement of the glacier front down the valley was recorded. In 2012–2022, the glacier front advanced with a velocity of about 5.2 m/year, while it was 17.9 m/year in 1977–2007, and 20.0 m/year in 2007–2012. The current climatic conditions are not favorable for development of glaciers. In 1977–2022, a trend of the summer air temperature rise was observed with a relatively stable amount of precipitation falling during the cold period. The almost continuous (except 1978–1981) advance of the glacier in 1977–2022 can be explained by the influence of the volcanic factor. A thick surface moraine covers more than 2/3 of the glacier area and, thus, prevents the surface ablation. Increased seismic activity associated with active volcanism promotes the ice movement.Дана оценка изменения объёма ледника Козельский на Камчатке за 1977–2022 гг. Площадь ледник за это время практически не изменилась, фронт продвинулся вперёд почти на 0.7 км, объём сократился на 34.15 ± 6.74 млн м3, поверхность в среднем понизилась на 17.3 м, кумулятивный баланс массы составил –14.70 ± 3.94 м в.э., а удельный среднегодовой –0.33 м в.э./год. Продвижение линии фронта в последние 10 лет замедлилось и составляло около 5 м/год

Constructive and Destructive Processes During the 2018–2019 Eruption Episode at Shiveluch Volcano, Kamchatka, Studied From Satellite and Aerial Data

Dome-building volcanoes often develop by intrusion and extrusion, recurrent destabilization and sector collapses, and renewed volcanic growth inside the collapse embayment. However, details of the structural architecture affiliated with renewed volcanic activity and the influences of regional structures remain poorly understood. Here, we analyze the recent activity of Shiveluch volcano, Kamchatka Peninsula, characterized by repeated episodes of lava dome growth and destruction due to large explosions and gravity-driven collapses. We collect and process a multisensor dataset comprising high-resolution optical (aerial and tri-stereo Pleiades satellite), radar (TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X satellites), and thermal (aerial and MODIS, Sentinel-2, and Landsat 8 satellites) data. We investigate the evolution of the 2018–2019 eruption episode and evaluate the morphological and structural changes that led to the August 29, 2019 explosive eruption and partial dome collapse. Our results show that a new massive lava lobe gradually extruded onto the SW flank of the dome, concurrent with magmatic intrusion into the eastern dome sector, adding 0.15 km3 to the lava dome complex. As the amphitheater infilled, new eruption craters emerged along a SW-NE alignment close to the amphitheater rim. Then, the large August 29, 2019 explosive eruption occurred, followed by partial dome collapse, which was initially directed away from this SW-NE trend. The eruption and collapse removed 0.11 km3 of the dome edifice and led to the formation of a new central SW-NE-elongated crater with dimensions of 430 m × 490 m, a collapse scar at the eastern part of the dome, and pyroclastic density currents that traveled ∼12 km downslope. This work sheds light on the structural architecture dominated by a SW-NE lineament and the complex interplay of volcano constructive and destructive processes. We develop a conceptual model emphasizing the relevance of structural trends, namely, 1) a SW-NE-oriented (possibly regional) structure and 2) the infilled amphitheater and its decollement surface, both of which are vital for understanding the directions of growth and collapse and for assessing the potential hazards at both Shiveluch and dome-building volcanoes elsewhere

Historical eruptions of Avacha volcano, Kamchatka. Attempt of modern interpretation and classification for long-term prediction of the types and parameters of future eruptions. Part 2 (1926-1991)

Previous data are summarized and new evidence is presented on the Avacha eruptions of 1926-1927, 1938, and 1945. The last eruption of January 1991 is described. The dynamics of the Avacha eruptive activity is considered for a period of 1737-1991. The eruptions are classified into different types. The type and size of a future event are predicted and the related hazard is assessed. It is recommended that the southwestern and southern sectors of the Avacha surrounding should be declared forbidden for residential or industrial construction because of a high volcanic hazard. -Journal summar

Historical eruptions of Avacha volcano, Kamchatka. Attempt of modern interpretation and classification for long-term prediction of the types and parameters of future eruptions. Part 1 (1737-1909)

Some of the previous views on the style of the Avacha eruptions during 1737-1909 are revised on the basis of new data obtained by the authors. The types of eruptions, their geological and geomorphological effects, and the related volcanic hazards are reassessed. All eruptions were explosive events, except for the 1894-1895 extrusive-explosive eruption. The eruptions of 1737, 1779, and 1827 are classified as large, the others, as mild or medium-size events. -from Journal summar