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Aral Sea, satellite image, 1973
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Aral Sea, satellite image, 1973
Aral Sea, satellite image. Image 1 of 3. North is at top. This inland lake is found between Uzbekistan (west) and Kazakhstan (east) and used to be the fourth largest lake in the world. Since the 1960s, it has lost more than half of its volume. This is due to overuse of the feeder rivers (the Syr Darya and Amu Darya) in irrigation of cotton and paddy fields. Image taken by Landsats multispectral scanner instrument on 29th May 1973. For a series showing the lakes progressive shrinkage, see images E590/289 - E590/291
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Media ID 6357745
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1900s 1970s 1973 29th Aral Sea Arid Brackish Decreasing Desertification Drainage Draining Drought Drying Drying Up Earth Observation Evaporating Evaporation From Space Human Impact Inland Kazakhstan Lake Land Landsat Receding Salt Salty Satellite Satellite Image Sediment Shrinking Uzbekistan Water Loss Salt Deposits
EDITORS COMMENTS
This satellite image captures the Aral Sea in 1973, showcasing its immense size and natural beauty. Situated between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, this inland lake was once considered the fourth largest in the world. However, a tragic decline began to unfold during the 1960s, resulting in more than half of its volume being lost. The primary cause behind this devastating transformation lies in human activity. The feeder rivers that sustain the Aral Sea, namely Syr Darya and Amu Darya, have been excessively exploited for irrigation purposes to support cotton and paddy fields. As a consequence of this overuse, water levels steadily decreased over time. Taken by Landsats multispectral scanner instrument on May 29th, 1973, this image serves as a poignant reminder of how our actions can profoundly impact our environment. The progressive shrinkage of the lake is evident through a series of images depicting its gradual disappearance. As we observe this snapshot from space, we witness an arid landscape plagued by drought and desertification. Evaporation has left behind salty sediment and salt deposits where vibrant waters once thrived. This striking visual representation highlights both the industrial development taking place in Asia during the 20th century and its detrimental consequences on nature's delicate balance. Let us reflect upon this photograph as a call to action - reminding us all of our responsibility to protect our planet's precious resources before irreversible damage occurs.
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