I. Kruzenshtern, V. Golovin and other Russian explorers contributed greatly in the investigation of the island. The largest islands of the little Kurile Ridge feature numerous rivers and lakes. A lot of these lakes are situated in the craters of extinct volcanoes. Lakes are often formed when lava flows block the rivers. Lakes of lagoon size can be found in the coastal zones.
Shores are mainly steep or terraced.
The Kurile Islands are famous for their numerous hot springs and mineral water with a wide spectrum of balneological properties which are explained by manifestations of contemporary volcanism. The Kurile Islands are a phenomena of nature. But most dramatic are the high bamboo plants and its gigantic herbs. Fauna of the island is quite varied too, including bears, ermines, foxes, chipmunks and others. Bird colonies are found on the shores and marine mammals are everywhere, such as fur seals and sea otters.