№1(2), September 2004

ISSN: 1810-8520

SPECIAL FEATURE: "Glorious Sea, Sacred Baikal..."

Our new section “Siberia’s Natural Phenomena” is focused on Lake Baikal, the most ancientand the deepest lake on Earth. Baikal stores unprecedented resources of fresh water. The lake is also famous for the diversity of its inhabitants. The unique features make the lake a giant natural laboratory that attracts researchers from various fields and various countries.

In this issue you will get an explanation of how and when this amazing lake was formed and learn about unique biological communities and “evolutionary flocks” of Baikal species. Together with our authors you will “dive” and see the underwater forests of sponges, awe at the lace of silica-rich diatom skeletons and the graceful curves of gastropod shells, meet Tito, a joyful animal from Listvyanka sealarium, and wander around the bottom of the ancient lake following a digital map. The beauty of Baikal underwater landscapes can compete with the famous Australian coral reefs. So, let’s start on the journey!