#HTE
The Aral Sea, located on the border of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, was once the fourth largest lake in the world. From 2001 to 2018, water levels have been gradually decreasing over time as a result of irrigation projects that began in the 1960s to support agricultural development, primarily for cotton, in the adjacent Kyzylkum Desert. By diverting the Syr Darya and the Amu Darya rivers, the Aral Sea has continued to evaporate without its primary sources of water replenishment. Due to the massive reduction of water levels, the surrounding region has experienced colder winters, hotter summers, massive dust storms, and the complete devastation of its fishing industry.
Our founder Benjamin Grant will be sharing this story at next week’s UN Give Live to Aral Conference in Uzbekistan. This image and the story of ‘The Shrinking Aral Sea’ are also featured in our new book “Overview Timelapse" – click below to learn more.
https://www.amazon.com/Overview-Timelapse…/dp/1984858653
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Source imagery: Maxar
https://dailyoverview.tumblr.com/post/633242633891921920