Kamchatka Peninsula – The Fiery Frontier of the Pacific
- vidyarthee2021
- Jul 22
- 2 min read
Recently, five powerful earthquakes struck the offshore region of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, drawing global attention to this volatile and geopolitically significant zone.
About Kamchatka Peninsula
Located in the Russian Far East, Kamchatka is a volcanically active region.
Bordered by:
Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea (east)
Sea of Okhotsk (west)
Part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Nicknamed the “Land of Fire and Ice” due to its volcanoes and glaciers.
The Kuril Archipelago extends from Kamchatka to Japan’s Hokkaido Island.
The Kuril Islands are under territorial dispute between Russia and Japan.
UPSC-Relevant Points
GS1 – Geography: Plate tectonics, Pacific Ring of Fire, earthquake-prone zones
GS2 – International Relations: Kuril Islands dispute between Russia and Japan
GS3 – Disaster Management: Seismic risk zones and response infrastructure
Map-Based Prelims Questions: Location-based knowledge important
UPSC Prelims MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Kamchatka Peninsula:
It is located in the western part of Russia.
It is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.
The Kuril Islands extend from Kamchatka Peninsula towards Japan.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B. 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect: Kamchatka is in Far East Russia, not the western part.
Statement 2 is correct: It lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Statement 3 is correct: The Kuril Islands stretch from Kamchatka to Japan’s Hokkaido.
UPSC Mains Question (GS1 – Geography / GS2 – IR)
Q. Discuss the geographical and geopolitical significance of the Kamchatka Peninsula and the Kuril Islands in the context of regional seismic activity and territorial disputes in Northeast Asia.
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