2024-03-25 12:00:04
Nestled in the heart of Southern Siberia, Lake Baikal is the oldest and deepest freshwater lake in the world. Its unique biodiversity is today threatened by global warming.
Image Wikimedia Commons
With 20% of the liquid fresh water of the planet (A planet is a celestial body orbiting the Sun or another star in…)the lac (In limnology, a lake is a large body of water located on a continent where it…) Baikal is a colossus among lakes. Its ability to resist change has been called into question following recent analyses. Studies have shown warming of the lake, leading to a reduction in the annual freeze-up period. This phenomenon directly and indirectly impacts living organisms in the lake, modifying their interactions.
The increase in the mass of algae and name (The notion of number in linguistics is covered in the article “Number…) of certain zooplankton, favored by higher temperatures, contrasts with the stability or slight decline of endemic species preferring cold (Cold is the opposite sensation of heat, associated with low temperatures.). These variations influence nutrient cycling in the lake, with important ecological consequences.
An international team also observed, via sediment analysis, that nutrient supply has increased significantly since the mid-19th century. This increase is linked to stronger winds, favoring the mélange (A mixture is a combination of two or more solid, liquid or gaseous substances…) waters, a phenomenon probably caused by the decrease in ice cover and rising temperatures.
Lake Baikal is home to the only species of seal (The Phocidae family (Phocidae) is that of the true seals and elephants of…) freshwater species in the world, the nerpa (Pusa sibirica).
Image Wikimedia Commons
The use of a mathematical model made it possible to simulate biological interactions and environmental modifications. This model reveals that reducing the coverage of glace (Ice is water in its solid state.) could eliminate peaks in algae production in winter, traditionally observed under the transparent ice of the lake.
The concept of “regime shift” emerges from this study, suggesting an abrupt shift in the ecological state of the lake towards a new configuration. This notion highlights the possibility of sudden and difficult to reverse changes in ecosystems, under the effect of global warming.
Lake Baikal, with its rich endemic fauna, including the freshwater nerpa seal, reflects the direct and indirect effects of global warming on its physical and biological systems. This ancient and biodiverse gem faces a potential ecological regime change, a signal (General terms A signal is a simplified and generally coded message. It exists…) warning for all the ecosystems of our planet.
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