Aral Sea
Why in news?
Recent research revealed that the Aral Sea has undergone significant geological changes after its shrinkage since the beginning of the 1960s due to human interventions.
Relevance:
GS-01 (Geography)
Key highlights of the research:
- The research highlighted the upward movement of land in and around the Aral Sea due to massive river diversions during the Soviet era which led for its shrinkage.
- The drying of the Aral Sea has resulted in the formation of the Aralkum Desert.
- Aralkum is now one of the world’s largest dust-producing deserts.
- Aral Sea:
- The Aral Sea was once a major saltwater lake in Central Asia.
- It lay between Kazakhstan (north) and Uzbekistan (south).
- It was sustained by the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers.
Prelims Practice Question:
Q. The Aral Sea, recently in the news, is located between which of the following countries?
A) Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan
B) Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan
C) Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan
D) Turkmenistan and Tajikistan
Answer: C
