Characteristics of Lake Baikal:

Abiotic factors: 

2. Structure of the littoral

The littoral, the light-flooded part of the water near the shore, is inhabited by the most diverse communities of benthic organisms. Because of the high transparency of the oligotrophic water the littoral extends to depths of 40-50m, but horizontal extension often is rather narrow, because of the steep slopes. At the western shore hard substrate predominates. Narrow terraces are covered with thin deposits of sand. At the mouths of rivers and rivulets these stony habitats are interrupted by sand and silt.  

Western shore near Bolshiye Koty

Southwestern end of Lake Baikal near the village Kultuk

The photo “western shore near Bolshiye Koty” demonstrates that rocks and small plains of sand form a mosaic-like ground structure. Larger shallow water zones are located at the southeastern shore near Kultuk, at the deltas of the larger rivers (Selenga, Verkhnaya Angara) and in larger bays and gulfs (Chivyrkuy-Bay, Posolsky Ssor, Maloe More). 

The ecological conditions in the discrete parts of the littoral differ in regard to productivity, content of nutrients, temperature regime, substrate and water chemistry (Kozhov, 1963, Karabanov et al. 1990).