Aral Sea

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.

45.510578°, 58.757118°

Maxar