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Aral Sea

This true-color MODIS image shows the shrinking Aral Sea, which was once the fourth largest lake in the world, but has shrunk dramatically over the last two decades in response to increasing agricultural irrigation demands. The Aral Sea straddles the border between Kazakhstan in the north and Uzbekistan in the south. As the lake levels drop, the surrounding soil becomes increasingly salinized, lessening productivity.


Jacques Descloitres, MODIS Land Rapid Response Team

Published June 14, 2001
Data acquired June 14, 2001

Source:
Terra > MODIS
Topics:
Human Dimensions > Environmental Impacts > Irrigation
Human Dimensions > Environmental Impacts > Water Management
Collection:
Visible Earth