March 5, 2016

2350 RUSSIA (Kamchatka Krai) - Volcanoes of Kamchatka (UNESCO WHS)

2350 Koryaksky volcano in Kamchatka

The Kamchatka River and the surrounding central side valley are flanked by large volcanic belts containing around 160 volcanoes, 29 of them still active. This is one of the most outstanding volcanic regions in the world, with a high density of active volcanoes, a variety of types, and a wide range of related features. 29 active volcanoes, grouped in six sites, were included among UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The sites contain also great species diversity, including the world's largest variety of salmonoid fish and exceptional concentrations of sea otter, brown bear and Stellar's sea eagle.

The highest volcano is Klyuchevskaya Sopka (4,750m), while the most striking is Kronotsky, whose perfect cone was said to be a prime candidate for the world's most beautiful volcano. Somewhat more accessible are the three volcanoes visible from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky: Koryaksky, Avachinsky, and Kozelsky (from Avachinskaya group). Koryaksky or Koryakskaya Sopka (3,456m), has been designated, together with neighbouring Avachinsky, a Decade Volcano, worthy of particular study in light of its history of explosive eruptions and proximity to populated areas.

About the stamps
The stamps are part of a series dedicated to Russian Kremlins, about which I wrote here.

References
Volcanoes of Kamchatka - Wikipedia
Volcanoes of Kamchatka - UNESCO official website
Koryaksky - Wikipedia

Sender: Olesya / Aomi_Kaien (postcrossing) RU-4443404
Sent from Voronezh (Voronezh Oblast / Russia), on 12.02.2016
Photo: Alex Tihonov

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