“According to the archival data of satellite imagery, the seabed has been exposed in the northern part of the Kazakhstani water area, the Caspian Sea is getting shallower. According to the remote sensing data of the Earth, over the past 15 years, the water area of the Kazakhstani sector of the Caspian Sea has significantly decreased (by 7.1%),” Garysh Sapary said.
Space monitoring was carried out over a historical period of 15 years. Extensive areas of shallowing of the sea are observed in the Kazakhstani part near the city of Atyrau (delta of the Zhaiyk River).
“The water surface area of the Kazakh sector of the Caspian Sea was 113,866.67 km2 in 2008, and 105,745.23 km2 in 2023. The analysis of space images at different times over 15 years revealed a decrease in the area of the water surface, but the sea level can also be reduced, which requires a comprehensive study. The drop in the level of the Caspian Sea can lead to a number of negative consequences affecting both ecosystems and the marine economy,” said the experts.
Photo source: picture from an open source