Environmental Threats facing Lake Baikal

Abstract

Reaching a depth of 5,580 feet and estimated to be 25 million years old, Lake Baikal, located in Siberia, is regarded as the oldest and deepest lake on earth. Lake Baikal holds 20% of the world's freshwater and is therefore of extreme value to environmental and human life. The lake is home to hundreds of endemic species of animals and plants, most notable of which, is the copepod, Epischura baicalensis, that works as a filtration system in the lake's water to keep it clean. However, in recent years, the lake has begun to suffer from the effects of improper waste disposal, urban/industrial development, and deforestation. In 2014, 1,500 metric tons of algae washed up onto the shores of Lake Baikal, indicating a rise in eutrophication and fecal contamination. Using the program, ArcGIS 10.2.2, four different raster projections highlight distinct issues impacting the lake, and where their influence is concentrated.