Baku: The Caspian Sea is undergoing a significant ecological crisis as it experiences rapid shallowing, primarily due to reduced water inflow from the Volga River. This environmental change is having severe repercussions on the Caspian littoral states, particularly Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, which are expressing grave concerns over the drying sea.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the decline in the Caspian Sea’s water level has been ongoing since the early 2000s, prompting Kazakhstan to establish the Caspian Research Institute to address these issues. The institute’s scientists have offered pessimistic forecasts, urging coordinated action by all Caspian littoral states to protect this vital water body. The shallowing is impacting not only the environment but also tourism, oil and gas production, and shipping in the region.
The phenomenon, referred to as the “Aral Syndrome,” mirrors the environmental disaster that befell the Aral Sea, which lost 90% of its water volume in the latter half of the 20th century due to anthropogenic factors. The Caspian’s decline is attributed largely to human activities, particularly the decrease in water flow from the Volga River, the Caspian’s main water source. This decline results from factors such as extensive agricultural expansion and the construction of reservoirs and dams in the Volga basin.
Satellite observations by Azercosmos confirm a dramatic decrease in the annual water volume entering the Caspian, amounting to 30-35 billion cubic meters less each year. This reduction exacerbates the ecological and economic challenges in the region, affecting sectors reliant on the Caspian Sea.
The monitoring of the Volga basin reveals a 35% increase in agricultural land and a significant decrease in precipitation over recent years. These changes have led to increased water diversion for irrigation, further reducing the Volga’s contribution to the Caspian Sea. The management of water resources in the Volga basin, alongside the effects of climate change, presents a multifaceted challenge for regional stakeholders.
Despite these challenges, space monitoring technologies, including the use of AI in GIS and remote sensing, offer promising tools for assessing and managing water resources in the basin. These technologies enable accurate monitoring of changes in river basins and provide valuable insights into the hydrological dynamics affecting the Caspian Sea.
In conclusion, the Caspian Sea’s shallowing is a complex issue driven by both natural and anthropogenic factors. Addressing the root causes, particularly the reduced water flow from the Volga River, is crucial for mitigating the ecological and economic impacts on the region. As the situation continues to evolve, coordinated efforts and innovative solutions will be essential in preserving the Caspian Sea’s integrity and sustainability.