Natural cycles in the Northern Baikal region

Abstract

The authors of the article present the results of an analysis of the cyclicity of long-term numerical series of meteorological parameters (average annual air temperature, total annual precipitation) and six longterm numerical series of short-lived animal species from different taxonomic groups: ground beetles, small rodents and passerine birds living in similar biotopes of the low-mountain part of Barguzinsky ridge (territory of the Barguzin State Natural Biosphere Reserve). The cyclic components of long-term observation series lasting 33-67 years were studied by Fourier spectral analysis. Periodograms and cyclic sequences of model species coincide in most cases. In all species, high-frequency 2-3 year cycles predominate, while mid-frequency 4-8 year and low-frequency 9-19 year cycles are of secondary importance. Statistically significant correlations between cyclicity in the long-term abundance series of model animal species and the cyclicity of annual precipitation and average annual temperature have been identified. Reliable correlations between the cyclicity of Wolf numbers and the cyclicality of meteorological parameters are shown. Solar activity has an indirect effect on the cyclicity of natural processes in the Northern Baikal region.