Aral Sea Flashcards

1
Q

Background

A

once 4th largest inland saline body of water - 68,000km2

been steadily shrinking since 1960s after the river that fed it was diverted to soviet union

61-70 Aral sea shrunk by 20cm a year, now it is at 80-90cm/y

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2
Q

Impact on economy, environment and health

A
  • receding sea has left huge plains covered with salt and toxic chemicals

— land around aral sea is heavily polluted by the occupants - high rate of lung cancer

— fishing heyday employed around 40,000 people

— Town of Moynaq employed 60,000 people in fishing industry: now it lies miles from the shore

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3
Q

Future solutions?

A

geo-engineering via cloud seeding

protection of resources e.g. monomolecular film covering exposed aquaducts

large scale application of low-water solutions such as zero flush urinals

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