Processes in Volcanic Landscapes of the Klyuchevskoy Nature Park

Aim. We analyze conditions for the development of erosion processes in volcanic landscapes under mechanical disturbances caused by spontaneous tourism in one of the territories of the “Volcanoes of Kamchatka” included in the list of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites.

Methodology. Cartographic materials, remote sensing data and scientific publications on the territory in question are analyzed before proceeding with field studies within the Ushkovsky Valley. The morphometric features of the territory and the morphological structure of the landscapes of the Klyuchevskoy Nature Park are respectively assessed and analyzed using the SRTM digital relief model and the archive of remote sensing data of the US Geological Survey. Field studies of erosive landforms are performed in areas with the greatest tourist load.

Results. At the desk stage, a hypothesis is formulated about the presence of permafrost rocks, which is evidenced by morphological features, such as lake basins of rounded shape that are genetically similar to thermokarst lakes. In the field routes, the presence of permafrost rocks in the sides of linear erosion forms is established, which indicates their thermoerosion origin and the extremely high vulnerability of volcanic landscapes with an ice component to mechanical disturbances. Based on the results of the analysis, nature protection measures are proposed for gully-eroded roadside areas.

Research implications. The results of the study can be used to plan measures to protect the nature of volcanic landscapes and to justify management decisions for minimizing environmental risks caused by spontaneous tourism.

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