Chemical composition of soils in the areas of volcanic ashfalls around active volcanoes in Kamchatka

Volcanic soils (Andosols) around active volcanoes in Kamchatka exhibit unique geochemical features, with background concentrations of most chemical elements lower than global averages. Notably, sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) are consistently elevated in these soils. The study found that ashfall areas from the Tolbachik and Shiveluch volcanoes show element concentrations 1.6 and 1.3 times higher than regional background levels, respectively. Mobile forms of elements in these areas exceed baseline values by 2.1 and 2.6 times, indicating significant volcanic influence on soil chemistry. The research analyzed soil samples from the northern soil province of Kamchatka, providing insights into the geochemical dynamics of volcanic environments.

Zakharikhina, L. V., & Litvinenko, Yu. S. (2016). Chemical composition of soils in the areas of volcanic ashfalls around active volcanoes in Kamchatka. Eurasian Soil Science, 49(3), 305–314. https://doi.org/10.1134/s1064229316030121