Characterizing land surface dynamics in Aral Sea basin of Uzbekistan using climatic and remote sensing data to project future conditions

Abstract

Since the 1960s, agricultural expansion and the unsustainable use of surface water in Central Asia have caused significant environmental problems in the Aral Sea basin. As a result, the Aral Sea region has experienced major environmental changes, including the formation of a new desert Aralkum on the desiccated lake bed. Deflation of salt dust from the dry areas of the former Aral Sea, the nowadays Aralkum, are an often occurred phenomenon. This poses a significant threat to both nature and human health in the region. Our analyses indicate that both the surface cover of the southern Aral Sea region and the climate there have undergone significant changes during the last 60 years.