The features of cyanobacterial-algal flora distribution within the mountain catena

Abstract

Background. The cyanobacterial-algal flora of the mountain systems in Siberia is still relatively poorly studied. Furthermore, there is a lack of research on the characteristics of its formation within mountain catena. The purpose of this study is to research the peculiarities of the formation of cyanobacterial-algal flora within mountain catena. Materials and methods. The research was conducted during the period of 2011–2013 in the vicinity of the village of Karam in the Kazachinsko-Lensky district of Irkutsk region, located within the North Baikal and Patom Highlands. In this area, a catena, approximately 600 meters long, has been identified. In the transeluvial part of the catena, there are outcrops of the parent rock as well as stony deposits. In the accumulative section, the micro-relief is almost not expressed, with well-defined two sinuosity – windward and lee. Sample collection was carried out according to the standard algological methodology. The flora analysis was conducted considering species and infraspecific taxa, using the Czekanowski-Sorensen coefficient and inclusion measures. Results. In total of 61 species (69 species and infraspecific taxa) of algae and cyanobacteria belonging to 6 divisions, 12 orders, 21 families, and 33 genera were found in the soils of the studied profile. A high percentage of the number of species within the top ten leading families indicates the boreal nature of the flora. The analysis of the flora indicated the allochthonous nature of the flora in the accumulated section of the catena and the autochthony of the flora in the transeluvial part. Conclusions.The catena, as a geochemical drainage basin, with varying ecological conditions in its individual sections, significantly influences the formation of cyanobacterial-algal flora.

Keywords

• soil algae
• soil flora
• cyanobacteria
• catena
• eastern siberia