The transformation of the runoff of the suspended load in Kamchatkan rivers due to volcanism

Abstract

This paper considers the influence of volcanic eruptions on the variation in the characteristics of the runoff of the suspended river load (suspended sediment concentration, discharge, rate of runoff, and grain-size distribution) on a variety of space–time scales (daily, seasonal, and long-term). The main factors that affect the yield of suspended load in rivers that flow in volcanic areas include the water runoff, drainage area, and the abundance of unconsolidated volcanic deposits. The areas of recent volcanism in Kamchatka are characterized by the maximum values of potential scour of particles, the mean long-term suspended sediment concentration, and specific suspended sediment yield. The largest increment in the transport of suspended river load in areas of volcanic activity is observed after major eruptions. The daily variations in the transport of suspended load are controlled by the water regime of rivers on the slopes of active volcanoes, namely, periodic cessations of surface runoff because of filtering into volcanic deposits.