Aral Sea

The Aral Sea, once the fourth-largest lake in the world, is a terminal lake in Central Asia. Located between Kazakhstan in the north and Uzbekistan in the south, it has been shrinking dramatically since the 1960s due to the diversion of its water sources for irrigation. The once-vast body of water is now a fraction of its former size, leaving behind a desolate landscape of salt flats and a stark reminder of the environmental consequences of human activity.

Baltic Prawn – Palaemon adspersus

Rockpool Shrimp – Palaemon elegans

Geography and Hydrology

The Aral Sea was situated in a closed basin with no outflow, fed by two major rivers: the Amu Darya and the Syr Darya. The lake's water level fluctuated naturally over time, but it remained relatively stable until the mid-20th century. Prior to its decline, the Aral Sea had a surface area of over 68,000 square kilometers (26,250 square miles) and a maximum depth of 68 meters (223 feet). The average water temperature in the summer months was around 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit).

Fauna and Flora

The Aral Sea was once rich in biodiversity, supporting a diverse ecosystem of fish, birds, and mammals. Over 20 species of fish were found in the lake, including sturgeon, pike perch, and carp. The lake also provided habitat for numerous bird species, such as pelicans, cormorants, and gulls. The surrounding area was home to various mammals, including wolves, foxes, and wild boars.

The Aral Sea Crisis

The Aral Sea's decline began in the 1960s with the Soviet Union's large-scale irrigation projects in the surrounding region. Diverting water from the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers for cotton production drastically reduced the lake's water supply. The sea's surface area has shrunk by more than 90%, and its water level has dropped by over 20 meters (66 feet). The lake has been split into several smaller, isolated basins, with the once vast expanse of water now resembling a barren desert.

Environmental Impacts

The shrinking Aral Sea has had devastating environmental consequences. The loss of habitat has led to the extinction of several fish species and a significant decline in bird populations. The exposed seabed has become a source of windblown salt and dust, contributing to air pollution and soil salinization. The region has also experienced a decline in agricultural productivity and a rise in health problems.

Efforts to Restore the Aral Sea

International efforts are underway to address the Aral Sea crisis. Projects have been implemented to improve water management practices, including the construction of dams and reservoirs. Efforts to restore the northern part of the Aral Sea have had some success, with the water level rising in recent years. However, the southern part of the lake remains largely desiccated.

Facts about the Aral Sea

  • The Aral Sea was once the fourth-largest lake in the world, but its surface area has shrunk by over 90% since the 1960s.
  • The lake's water level has dropped by more than 20 meters (66 feet) since the beginning of its decline.
  • The shrinking Aral Sea has had devastating environmental consequences, including the loss of biodiversity, air pollution, and soil salinization.
  • Efforts to restore the Aral Sea are underway, but the lake's future remains uncertain.