Publications by authors named "Igor S Plotnikov"
Article Synopsis
- The text examines the history and ongoing crisis of the Aral Sea, focusing on how human activity has led to its significant decline, which is part of a broader global water crisis exacerbated by climate change.
- It highlights the historical and ecological features of the sea, particularly the impact on local fish populations and the surrounding human communities, as well as the health and environmental consequences of the regression.
- The restoration efforts of the northern Small Aral Sea, including dam construction, show promising results, contrasting sharply with the deteriorating conditions of the southern Large Aral Sea, which may become lifeless due to increasing salinity.
The regression and salinization of the Aral Sea, largely caused by water diversion for irrigation, is among the most severe ecological disasters of the 20th century, and has had severe health and economic consequences for the local population. Introductions of alien species to enhance commercial fisheries before the regression had already impacted the ecology of this system. Crustaceans made up about one-quarter of the original metazoan species and constituted the principal food for native and introduced fish.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDuring the last six decades, the water level of the Aral Sea, once one of the largest lakes in the world, has experienced a major human-driven regression followed by significant changes in salinity. These fast-paced alterations were initiated by the diversion of two rivers-the Amu Darya and Syr Darya-key players in the regulation of the water balance of the Aral Sea. Consequently, biological modifications took place leading to severe changes of the zoocenosis.
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