The polygon method of the meiobenthos spatial distribution study in the littoral zone of Lake Ladoga (A case study of the northern skerry region of the Lake)

Abstract

A new approach is applied in the study of the distribution of meiobenthos in the littoral zone of the skerry region of Lake Ladoga. The initial stage is the measurement of the polygon bathymetry; the study and mapping of the distribution of different sediments (taking into account their change with the increase in depth); and the distribution of macrophytes, phytobenthos, and large habitat-forming mollusks (Unionidae). The abundance, composition, and structure of meiobenthos are studied. The data make it possible to map the distribution of the community. Similar zonality in the distribution of bottom sediments and large habitatforming biota upon the transition from the water edge to the depths at the boundary of the littoral zone is found. Six main belts are revealed and described.