What complications can occur? |

The water of the Caspian Sea is decreasing every year. Scientists are sounding the alarm that the situation of the 1970s is now being repeated.

So, the last time such a reduction of water was observed in the 70s of the last century. At one time, the level of the Caspian Sea decreased by 28 m, and in 1978, it decreased by 1 meter, and the sea froze by 29 meters. Later, the water level began to rise. However, in the last 4 years, the level of the Caspian Sea has decreased again.

What problems can the decrease of Caspian water cause?

Advisor to the Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Rasim Sattarzade made a statement.

The minister’s adviser noted that since the Caspian Sea is a closed water basin, periodic changes in its level are inevitable. The main factor of the level change is related to the climate of the water basin:

“The fluctuation of the level is related to the elements of the water balance of the Caspian Sea, that is, the rivers that feed it, the amount of precipitation, the level of evaporation, on the other hand, it is related to the tectonic movements taking place on the seabed. At the same time, depending on the seasons, the level can vary by 30-40 cm during the year. The water level reaches its highest interval in the summer months. Because that time is considered to be the peak of the rivers. The lowest level is observed in winter months.

R. Sattarzadeh emphasized that it is impossible to make a long-term forecast about the dynamics of the sea level:

“In 1977-1995, the level of the Caspian Sea rose by 2.5 meters. Before that period, the lowest level was recorded. 20Since 2005, there has been a decrease in the sea level. This rate of descent is about 7 cm per year. of the Caspian Sea Azerbaijan regular observations are made. The change of the sea level affects the environment, economic areas, especially oil-gas operations, maritime transport and port operations”.

Expert on water issues, head of the Geography and Environment Department of Khazar University Rovshan Abbasov told Bakupost.az that the last decrease in the level of the Caspian Sea was in 1978:

“At that time, the level of the Caspian Sea decreased to minus 29 meters. Today, this level is rapidly approaching its historical anti-record. The level of the Caspian Sea has already dropped to minus 28.4 meters.

The expert said that the main reason is the decrease in the water of the rivers flowing into the Caspian Sea:

“The level of the Caspian Sea, the world’s largest lake, continues to decrease rapidly since 1995. Level changes in the Caspian Sea already 10It has been the object of various scientific-research works for almost 0 years. That is, the water of the rivers flowing into the Caspian Sea sometimes decreases and sometimes increases. That is why such drastic changes in the sea level are observed. Of course, the increase during the period 1978-1995 makes us think that the decrease in the level of the Caspian Sea could turn into an increase again. That is, sea level fell until 1978, then unexpectedly began to rise again until 1995. From 1995 to 2022, sea level decline continues again. The decrease in the water of the rivers flowing into the Caspian Sea is considered as the main reason. Naturally, the water in the river cannot always be the same. Instrumental observations show that there are multi-year flow changes in the Volga, Kura, and Ural rivers in the last 150 years. In other words, the Volga River can increase and decrease its flow for decades. Today, up to 80% of the water flowing into the Caspian Sea falls on the Volga. Therefore, the main level change is caused by the increase and decrease of the water of the Volga River. Of course, the share of Kura river also falls to 15%. That is, this can be considered a rather large number.”

R. Abbasov also spoke about the main reasons for the sharp decrease in the flow of the Volga, Ural and Kurd in recent years:

“One of the main reasons for the sharp decrease in the flow of the Volga, Ural and Kura rivers in recent years is global climate change. The temperature of the earth is increasing rapidly. This rapidly reduces the water in the rivers. There is such a forecast that both the Volga and Kura rivers are close 20 more than water resources in the year 20% reduction may occur. Based on this forecast, we can say that the water level of the Caspian Sea will continue to decrease. In addition, the demand for water in both the Volga and Kura basins has increased sharply. This increase in population, industry and village it takes place against the background of the growth of the economy. At the same time, the end of Azerbaijan 10 the volume of irrigated land increased by more than 70%. That is, the demand for water is increasing. As a result, less water flows into the Caspian Sea and its level decreases.

The expert added that we must act now to prevent possible complications:

“On the other hand, one of the main reasons for reducing the water of the Kura River is the increase in transboundary water withdrawals. I mean, Turkey, Georgia, Iran, more water is taken from the Araz and Kura rivers. This causes the water of the rivers to decrease. Let’s hope that this trend will not continue and the water in the Volga River will start to rise again under the influence of natural factors. Russia more to the area snow it will rain If the water in the Volga River rises, the decline in the level of the Caspian Sea will stop. But in any case, we should be ready for this reduction. We need to act now to prevent possible complications. Currently national an adaptation strategy is being prepared. One of the three main directions of this strategy is the Caspian Sea coast management of zones. Here it is reflected how to prepare for the lowering of the level of the Caspian Sea. In this direction, already with the partnership of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources UNThe Development Program of the Ministry of Education is implementing the project and a lot of work has been done.” (Bakipost.az)