Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia

This Envisat image shows the eastern coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula, in Russia’s far east between the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Okhotsk.

The central element shows an isolated volcanic group that includes the highest active volcano in Eurasia: Klyuchevskaya Sopka. This 'stratovolcano' – built up from many layers – has been continually active since its first recorded eruption in the late 17th century. In the spring of 2010, eruptions of gas plumes, ash and lava were reported.

The salmon-rich Kamchatka river flows north around the volcanic group, turning east at the Klyuchi settlement toward the Pacific. Owing to minimal development, the peninsula is known for its abundance of large brown bears. Other common animals include foxes, wolves, reindeer and wolverines.

This image is a compilation of three passes by Envisat’s radar on 1 June, 6 July and 10 August 2010. Each is assigned a colour (red, green and blue) and combined to produce this representation. New colours reveal changes in the surface between Envisat’s passes.