The main directions of scientific researches

1. Development of the theory of evolution, functioning, stability and restoration of lakes in various geographical zones.
2. Development of the theory of eutrophication of internal reservoirs and the scientific forecast of restraint of this process in view of the natural climatic and anthropogenic factors.
3. Development of the theory of carry and transformation of substances and energy within the system "watershed - reservoir".
4. Studying a history of an origin and development of lakes (paleolimnological researches). Estimation of mineral natural resources of lakes.
5. An estimation of nature-resource potential of lake reserves of Russia and forecast of the trends of its change in view of social and economic development of regions.
6. Development of fundamental scientific foundation of protection and rational use of natural lake resources.
7. Complex studying of Lake Ladoga - the largest lake of Europe and the principal source of water supply of Saint Petersburg with purpose of an estimation of a condition of its natural resources, the forecast of ecosystem changes, definitions of ways of its preservation and improvement of water quality.

The scientific researches have complex character: theoretical, experimental (laboratory and field), methodical researches, and regional research for studying of spatial-temporary mechanisms of development of lake ecosystem and their evolutions under the influence of natural and anthropogenic factors.

The methods of mathematical modelling are developed in the Institute. They have following directions:

• Forecast of man-activity influences;
• An estimation of global and regional climatic changes on a water regime of lakes;
• A description of the processes which are carrying out connection of lakes and their watershed;
• A description of the separate processes determining a functioning of lake’s ecosystems.

The models differ on their degree of complexity and detailing in the description of processes. They are mean for use in the objects of the various scales, located in different geographical conditions and having a various level of study.

There are a number of complex three-dimensional models of lake ecosystems realized for the study of Lake Ladoga’s ecosystem. Models help:

• To estimate an influence of change of anthropogenic loading on the lake water quality;
• To describe its influence on all parts of ecosystem in details;
• To predict changes in the ecosystem in conditions of changes of water use regime and character of man-activity in lake watershed.

Models can be used as the instrument of economic methods of water use management in lake watersheds.