Hydromorphology and environmental restoration of Gorgan Bay, the Southeast Caspian Sea

Abstract

Rapid sea level changing of the Caspian Sea has affected coastal geomorphology and environmental condition of Gorgan Bay since the end of 20th century. The vast parts of the Gorgan bay and Miankaleh Wetland have been dried out. So finding efficient solutions for environmental revival of the bay, compatible with the Caspian Sea rapid fluctuation, was the main aim of the present study. The geomorphological changing of the bay was identified by comparing and interpreting satellite images and field survey. The main results show that the Caspian Sea fluctuation plays a vital role in the bay environment depletion and development during the Anthropocene time and the implementing of secure connection between the bay and the Caspian Sea is the appropriate method for ecological revival of Gorgan Bay.

Keywords

• the caspian sea
• gorgan bay
• fluctuation
• geomorphology
• environment