The terrain of the western coast of Lake Baikal is characterized by morphological and genetic diversity. The major types of landforms are represented by gorsts and grabens, which are specific to rift-type orogenic belts. The neotectonic movements and exogenous relief-formation processes are developed on the geological basis represented by the oldest rocks and tectonic structures of the Earth's crust of Archean age. In the Priolkhonye region, there is a unique combination of foothill plains and mountain structures of the Primorsky ridge along the fault, expressed in the terrain in the form of extended rectilinear steep ledges with traces of seismic processes. The above-mentioned features of the terrain of the western coast of Lake Baikal allow us to consider the terrain as an important recreational resource and a factor of tourism development. The different types of landforms are characterized by a certain recreational specialization, have an impact on the aesthetic attractiveness of the territory and the possibility of emerging of geomorphological risks and dangers for tourism. A comprehensive study of the terrain within the research and training ground “Sarma”, located on the western coast of Lake Baikal, was carried out. Terrain assessment and geomorphological mapping are carried out on a landscape basis using a regional-typological approach, which makes it possible to take into account individual and typical geomorphological features of the territory. This approach makes it possible to give a comprehensive description of the recreational and geomorphological potential of the territory, which is necessary for evidence-informed decisions making in the sustainable tourism development.

Abalakov Alexander Dmitrievitch, Doctor of Sciences (Geography), Professor, Irkutsk State University, 1, K. Marx st., Irkutsk, 664003, Russian Federation; Lead Researcher, V. B. Sochava Institute of Geography SB RAS, 1, Ulan-Batorskaya st., Irkutsk, 664033, Russian Federation, e-mail: abalakovirk@mail.ru 

Pankeeva Natalya Sergeevna, Candidate of Sciences (Geography), Associate Professor, Irkutsk State University, 1, K. Marx st., Irkutsk, 664003, Russian Federation, e-mail: natalya_pankeeva@mail.ru

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