The results of the analysis of discharge and sediment flow changes of the main rivers flowing into Lake Baikal are presented. Long-term observation record of sediment flow is divided into two periods differing in average values and scale fluctuations of annual average values. During the first period, the dynamics of sediment flow of rivers was determined by hydro-climatic factors, i.e. fluctuations of sediment flow, in general, are synchronous to fluctuations of water flow. During the second period (from the mid-1970s) there is a downward trend of sediment flow change (decrease by 49-82) against the background of increased discharge of rivers. This trend is caused by both anthropogenic influence, and natural processes connected to global and regional changes of climatic characteristics. In general, natural processes of sediment flow changes in the different areas of Baikal basin are altered by anthropogenic factors to a greater or lesser extent. The present article can be used as analytical material for further research and forecast of sediment flow changes in the Baikal basin as well as in other rift-valley lakes of the world. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd and INQUA. All rights reserved.
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