Volcanoes of Kamchatka 20
The Kamchatka Peninsula is made up of 6 district locations in the Russian Far East. The six locations include the Bystrinsky Nature Park, Nalychevo Nature Park, The southern Kamchatka Nature Park, the Southern Kamchatka State Nature Reserve, the Kluchevskov Nature Park and Koronotsky Zapovednik.
The listed property showcases some of the most pristine parts of the Kamchatka Peninsula as well as a remarkable collection of volcanic areas that is reminiscent of ‘Pacific Volcanic Ring’. The area is also a representation of surface expression of the subduction of the Pacific Ocean Continental Plate that is under the Eurasia Plate. The added Kluchevskov Nature Park is a classic geological processes and landforms.
There are more than 300 volcanoes in Kamchatka region, 29 of which are still active. The volcanoes include the caldera, strato-volcano, somma-volcano and mixed types. The largest of the volcanoes is called the Kronotskaya Sopka (3528 meters) and has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Additionally, you will find a host of thermal and mineral geysers, springs and other formations made through vulcanicity.
The peninsula is surrounded by sea and thus enjoys moist climate that is favorable to lush vegetation cover. Apparently, the area has seen minimal human exploitation and hence the vegetation is in relatively pristine conditions. Among the woodlands you will find taiga forests of birch, larch and spruce as well as extensive stone birch forests that are made of poplars, aspen willow and alder. There are also the peat wetlands and extensive coastal wetlands that stretch over a width of 50 kilometers. Further up, you will find subalpine shrub and mountain tundra. About 15 species of plants found here are endemic to this region.
Among the fauna species that you can expect to encounter include the bear, snow ram, the northern deer, wolverine and sable. The animals are in relatively high level of endemism. Among the birds population is the Stellar’s sea eagle that makes up about 50% of the world population. Other species of birds include the white-tailed, eagle, peregrine falcon, golden eagle, and gyrfalcon.
The rivers found in the forests are unpolluted and thus becomes important as salmon spawning grounds and a key food chain resource for predatory mammals and birds. All of the 11 salmonid fish coexist in the Kamchatka’s rivers.
Sightseeing, bird’s watching and hiking are the major attractions to tourists in the region. You are well advised to visit this Russian wild for the best adventure in Northern Europe.
by Kennedy Runo on 05/30/2014 in Adventure