Geothermal Explosion at the 2014 Landslide-Covered Area of the Geyser Valley, Kamchatka, Russian Far East

Geyser geothermal fields are scenic volcanic landforms that often contain tens to hundreds of thermal spot vents erupt boiling water or bubbling mud pools. The potentially hazardous sites due temperatures and changes in vent locations eruption dynamics, which poorly understood. Here we report on the rapid profound can affect such a geyser field ultimately lead dangerous, unanticipated eruption. We studied Valley, Kamchatka Peninsula, is geysers other features Using high-resolution tri-stereo satellite data unmanned aerial systems (UAS) with optical infrared cameras 2018 2019, were able identify newly emerging explosion site. Structure-from-motion analysis acquired before after reveals morphological details new vent. site produced an aureole zone more than 150 m3 explosively redeposited gravel clay, slightly elliptical crater diameter 7.5 m rim 0.30 high. However, comparison archives photogrammetric suggests this was thermally active years earlier contained obscured covered by landslides river sediments. results allow us develop conceptual model highlight hazard potential buried clastic deposits. Sudden explosions may occur at similar elsewhere, highlighting need for careful assessment monitoring geomorphological hydrological regions.