Underwater gas-hydrothermal activity within the Kuril island arc

The Kuril island arc is an important element of the Pacific transition zone, within which such modern geological processes as underwater gas-hydrothermal activity occur. The study of underwater gas-hydrothermal activity, which affects the natural environment and all life activities, has not only fundamental but also a great practical importance. The article provides a review of research studies into the underwater gas-hydrothermal activity of the Kuril island arc. New information on the manifestations of underwater gas-hydrothermal activity within this zone obtained as a result of processing, revision and analysis of materials of complex volcanological shipboard studies at the Volcanolog research vessel (1981–1991) is presented.