The Aral Sea

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, and will tackle ways to think about our changing environment.

First book in the new Springer-Praxis Earth System Science Series Written by a global team of experts with up-to-date knowledge of the Aral Sea Highly regarded lead Editor, Dr Philip Micklin has written recent NATO book, an article in Scientific American and a review in Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences Explores theories and makes comparisons with the available data Looks at possible solutions and their extension to similar areas in the world Makes good use of colour images for scientific interpretation Unrivalled in approach, this book delivers broad coverage of the topic and tackles possible influences, causes and consequences Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Contenu

Part 1: 'Foreword' from Dr Philip Micklin, Series Editor.- 'Series Introduction' co-written by Dr Philippe Blondel & Dr John W Mason.- Narrative to set the scene and explain the event and related problems.- Detailed explanation on how the spheres and events interact.- Part 2: Insight and explanations around the social .- consequences of the event/problem.- Part 3: Scientific causes of the above - could present different views around the theme from various experts.- Part 4: Mitigation wider consequences (social, psychological, political).- Part 5: The economic impact.- Part 6: Lessons learnt for the future (with insight of the total environmental cost).