Characteristics of Lake Baikal:

Abiotic factors:

3. Water level and impact of waves

The water level oscillates in a year about 80-90 cm. The highest level is reached in autumn, the lowest in spring (Pinegrin et al. 1976). A comparison of annual mean levels in the 20th century shows oscillations of up to 194 cm (Fialkov, 1977).  

Low water level in spring

The impact of waves on the benthic communities of the littoral depends on the region and the season. The stormiest month is September and in the northwestern region of Baikal the waves can reach a height of 5.5 m (Ladejshchikov & Verbolov, 1993).