Nature of Baikal. Baikal - a miracle of nature

The greatest sculptor and architect at all times is nature. The forms created by her are unique and unique, and their scale constantly reminds humanity of greatness, beauty and strength. The territory of Russia is very large, which is why there are many wonderful creations of nature on its expanses. The history of their occurrence is often associated with various myths and legends that are of interest to thousands of people from around the world. The Russian miracle of nature - Lake Baikal - attracts a huge number of tourists and researchers due to its unique characteristics.

Occurrence

To this day, the origin of the lake and its age are controversial scientists. Baikal is the most ancient reservoir on the Earth, its formation occurred more than 30 million years ago, while similar in type of formation of the lake of glacial origin "live" no more than 10-15 thousand years. During this time there are irreversible processes of siltation or swamping. In this sense, Baikal is a miracle of nature, its waters are transparent, have the lowest level of pollution by organic and mineral compounds, and the coastline is gradually changing in the direction of increase. The stone bowl, in which there is the largest volume of fresh water on the planet, is surrounded almost from all sides by mountain slopes. This deep hollow, located on land, according to many scientists, leaves through the earth's crust to the upper layers of the mantle. Therefore, it is commonly believed that tectonic processes led to the formation of a reservoir. When and how this ancient sea arose, it remains to be seen, but the nature of Baikal poses many questions for humanity.

Geography

On the expanses of Eastern Siberia from the north-east to the south-west stretched a crescent in the form of a crescent. Lake Baikal is located in central Asia on the border of the Republic of Buryatia and the Irkutsk region. Its length is 630 km, width varies from 25 to 80 km. The area of water space is comparable with the territory of some European countries (Holland, Belgium), it is about 32,000 square meters. Km. The coastline often changes, its maximum length is fixed at 2200 km. The relief of the bottom is diverse, there are coastal shelves and underwater ridges, but today Lake Baikal is the deepest lake on the planet. Hydrographic studies and acoustic sounding of the bottom are carried out regularly. According to the latest confirmed data, the maximum depth is 1642 meters, with an average value of more than 700 meters. The second place among the deep-water lakes is occupied by Tanganyika and the Caspian (the Caspian Sea).

Research

The nature of Baikal at all times amazed people with its primordiality, diversity and monumentality. The first information about the lake dates back to the 16th century, at which time Siberia attracted researchers as an inexhaustible source of furs, ores of precious metals and stones. Russian embassies sent to China, for the first time, are putting the great "Ocean of the Sea" on the map. At the same time N. Spafaria first described the reservoir as Lake Baikal, the animal and plant world of its coast. Since the formation of the Russian Academy of Sciences (1723) by decree of Peter the Great , a purposeful study of the reservoir, the properties of its water, origin, flora and fauna begins. Archaeologists, historians, folklorists, geologists, ecologists conduct fundamental research of Baikal, which until today is full of mysteries.

Water and ice

Baikal water is saturated with oxygen, it contains a very small percentage of organic and mineral compounds and can be used as distilled water. In the spring it is as transparent as possible, lets the rays of the sun pass, has a blue hue, the objects at the bottom can be seen at a depth of 40 meters. The temperature of the water masses varies depending on the depth: the bottom layers warm up to +4 ⁰ C in the summer, the surface layers to + 9 ⁰ C, and in the shallow bays the maximum value is +15 ⁰ C. Due to the formation of a large amount of bioplankton on the surface, the water acquires a greenish tinge, Its transparency is reduced to 8 meters. Ice on Lake Baikal is the subject of study of many scientists. Its thickness reaches a mark of 1-1.5 meters, while it is transparent. In coastal areas, shallow waters form sprays and grottoes, at low temperatures the ice crackles with a characteristic sound resembling a shot or a thunder. Unique ice Baikal "hills" are cone-shaped formations with a hollow center, their height can reach 6 meters. Holes in the hills are located away from the shore. The mounds may form peculiar mountain ranges or be located one by one.

Seismic activity

Weak earthquakes (1-2 points) are observed on Lake Baikal constantly. Tectonic processes change the bottom relief and coastal zone. Stronger earthquakes occur fairly regularly, their consequences depend on the force of the tremors. In 1862, as a result of one of them, with a capacity of 10 points, the Selenga delta changed, and a large populated area of land went under water. The last recorded earthquake of 6 points was recorded in 2010. It is probable that the growth of the lake is associated with tectonic processes. So, it is annually increased by 2 cm.

Inflow and flow

The volume of fresh Baikal water is about 24 000 km ³ , more is found only in the Caspian Sea, but it is salty. The Siberian Sea is fed by a large influx of streams and rivers. Their approximate number is 330-340 pieces and depends on the time of year. In spring, during the melting of snow on the surrounding mountain slopes, the number of streams increases significantly. The largest waterways of Lake Baikal are the Selenga River (half the total inflow), Barguzin, Upper Angara, Turka, Sarma, etc. The volume decreases due to the natural process of evaporation from the surface of the lake. The main runoff occurs in the Angara. By the way, this river is associated with many legends and legends. In the people it is called the beauty, the only daughter of the old Baikal.

Flora and fauna

The nature of Baikal is diverse and unique. The rocky slopes are covered with forest thickets, which are inhabited by a large number of animals: bears, deer, foxes, eagles, etc. Total scientists number about 2650 species of animals and plants, with 65-70% of them not found in the world ecosystem, ie . Are endemic. The uniqueness of the animal world of the lake itself is explained by its oxygen saturation throughout the depth and the ability to self-purification. Crustacea epishura (zooplankton), Baikal seal, viviparous fish golomyanka, omul, sturgeon, grayling, bottom sponges give an idea of the diverse fauna of the lake. A huge mass of lake flora consists of algae that live in different conditions (diatomaceous, golden, blue-green). The bottom layers even at the maximum depths are densely populated, the organic matter serves as a source of nutrition for deep-water inhabitants. In many indicators (age, water quality, depth, unique animals and plants), the lake is a unique ecosystem on a global scale, which is why the protection of nature of Lake Baikal is one of the priorities of our state.

Ecology

The clash of a rapidly growing civilization and pristine nature, as a rule, ends with the victory of the technogenic world. 150 years ago, the banks of the reservoir were impassable forests, in which travelers were afraid to go because of the large number of bears. Today, massive deforestation, pollution of rivers and air, as well as poaching have become a threat to the existence of such a unique ecosystem as the nature of Baikal. Great damage is caused by the factories located on the coast and large settlements and cities. A huge step to save the lake was the closure of the pulp and paper mill and the transfer of the pipeline to a safe distance from the water area. The level of water pollution by organic and inorganic compounds is very high due to the inflow of the Selenga River. Industrial and municipal sewage, oil products are discharged along its current and enter Lake Baikal. Protection of nature and protection of the ecological system is currently carried out on the basis of the federal law adopted in 1999. It regulates the types of activities that are allowed to be carried out on the lake. In fact, all the coastal zones and the Baikal itself should become a huge reserve, in which civilized conditions for recreation, tourism and ecosystem research will be organized. In 1996, the lake was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, that is, it received the status of a monument protected by mankind.

Tourism

The beautiful nature of Lake Baikal attracts a large number of people every year. The most popular destination is ecotourism, walking and horseback riding in reserved places are in high demand among foreigners. Active types of recreation are also in demand (mountain skiing, boating and catamaran cruising along Lake Baikal, etc.). But still most of the tourists come here to look at this natural wonder. Baikal is always different: the serene surface of the lake is replaced by storms, the unique climate and beauty of the coastal forests can be observed for hours. The number of attractions created by nature and man is great, archaeological, cultural and historical sites are located along the route of tourist routes.