Landscape diversity of the Preolkhon region

The Olkhon region is one of the most popular holiday destinations on Lake Baikal, but spontaneous recreational development threatens the preservation of the region’s landscapes. The situation does not change even though a significant area of the Olkhon region belongs to the Baikal National Park, the uniqueness of the flora and fauna of which surpasses any other protected territory of the Baikal region. Geosystems studies were carried out on the southeastern macroslope of the Primorskii Ridge, in an area that stretches along the western shore of Lake Baikal for 50 km. Regional patterns, characteristics of climate and relief, differentiation of vegetation and soils, and features of the modern use of the territory were taken into account. At the same time take into account the regional patterns, characteristics of climate and terrain, vegetation and soil differentiation, especially of the modern use of the area. Construction and use of recreational facilities and the movement of vehicles is the main factor in an anthropogenic influence on the landscape of the study area. The landscapes of this site have a pronounced altitude-zonal structure. The goletz and mountain-taiga complex of the Primorskii Range alternates with the subtaiga steppe geosystems of the Preolkhon plateau. We carried out route surveys from the foot of the range to the mountains on four sites of the study area. These are the most interesting, popular places (routes) of the Olkhon region.