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The Decline of the Aral Sea: A Satellite Perspective

The Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission provides a stark view of what remains of the Aral Sea, which was once the fourth largest lake globally. This massive inland body of water, situated between Kazakhstan to the north and Uzbekistan to the south, has undergone dramatic transformations over the past several decades.

To put its size into perspective, in 1960, the Aral Sea spanned nearly 68,000 square kilometers, approximately double the area of Belgium. However, significant ecological changes began in the 1960s when the Syr Darya and Amu Darya rivers were redirected for agricultural irrigation, particularly for cotton farming. This shift drastically reduced the inflow of fresh water into the Aral Sea, leading to its alarming shrinkage.

By the late 1980s, the Aral Sea had divided into the Large Aral and the Small Aral, with the former shared by both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Further depletion occurred, leading to the Large Aral splitting into two separate bodies of water by 2000. Recent imagery from March 18, 2025, highlights the significant reduction in the western lobe, with the eastern lobe—once still visible in 2006—having nearly dried up entirely. The resulting landscape is characterized by the Aralkum Desert, a hypersaline environment that emerged from the lakebed.

The environmental consequences of the Aral Sea’s decline have been profound. The local fishing industry, which prospered during the lake’s heyday, has collapsed, significantly impacting the economy and livelihoods in the region. Moreover, the loss of water has altered the microclimate, resulting in more frequent and severe sandstorms that carry salt and sand across vast distances, exacerbating health issues and contributing to harsher winters and hotter summers in the affected areas.

In the image, one can also find the remnant of a heart-shaped water body that, in 2019, was vibrant and emerald green. However, this body of water continues to recede and may vanish in the near future. In contrast, the Small Aral Sea, located in the image’s upper part and currently covered in ice, faces a stark future. While its southern section is projected to dry out, international initiatives are underway to preserve the remaining water sources.

An important feature in this recovery effort is the Kok-Aral dike, visible as two brown lines at the southeastern edge of the Small Aral. Constructed to prevent water escape into the southern section of the lake, this dike has succeeded in stabilizing water levels and salinity in the northern area. Since its completion in 2005, water levels in the northern section have increased by an average of 4 meters.

The ongoing alteration of the Aral Sea provides a compelling case study of long-term environmental changes driven by both natural factors and human activities. Satellite missions like Copernicus Sentinel-2 play a crucial role in monitoring these transformations, supplying vital data that can inform future ecological and policy decisions.

Source
www.esa.int