Destruction of the Aral Sea

This unrivalled reference book is the first in the new Springer-Praxis "Earth System Science Series". Written by a team of global experts, this new book describes mankind's destruction of the Aral Sea. Dr Philip Micklin and team explain how spheres and events interact and reveal the social, psychological, political and economic consequences of the 'Aral Sea Problem' together with some lessons of how to potentially rehabilitate portions of the sea. International experts in the field have contributed to the work including Praxis author Dr. Zavialov, covering physical oceanography and also Dr. Vitaliy Bortnik, the leading expert on the hydrometeorology and hydrochemistry of the Aral at the end of the Soviet period. Other pioneering experts have contributed chapters covering climatology; archaeological and paleobotanical evidence for ascertaining the level variation history of the Aral Sea; landscape dynamics of the Amu Dar'ya Delta owing to drying of the sea; and, use of radar altimetry to trace sea level changes and much more. The book is structured into six core parts. The first part sets the scene and explains how the use of Aral basin water resources, primarily used for irrigation, have destroyed the Aral Sea. The team explains how spheres and events interact and the related problems. Part 2 examines the social consequences of the ecological catastrophe and the affect of the Aral Sea desiccation on cultural and economic conditions of near Aral region. Part 3 explores the scientific causes of the destruction using detailed analyses and data plus some of their own research spanning aquatic biology, terrestrial biology, hydrology, water management and biodiversity. They also share some of the latest archaeological discoveries and paleobotanical analysis to delineate past levels and characteristics of the Aral Sea. There is particular focus on modern remote sensing and GIS techniques and how they can monitor the Aral Sea and the environment. Part 4 discusses regional and international initiatives to mitigate human and ecological problems of the Aral Sea and the wider political and economic consequences. With thorough insight of the total environment cost, the final chapters of the book will provide lessons for the future. There are insightful case studies throughout. Multidisciplinary by nature, all titles in our new reference book series will explore significant changes within the Earth's ecosystems and to some extent, will tackle ways to think about our changing environment.