Where Has the Caspian Sea Disappeared? The Siltation of Baku's Bay Raises Alarm in Azerbaijan

The decline in the level of the Caspian Sea is causing concern among the Azerbaijani expert community, reports Sputnik Azerbaijan.

Since 2005, the level of the Caspian Sea has been decreasing. Experts point out that global climate change is one of the main reasons for this process. According to environmentalists, the water level in the Caspian Sea has decreased by almost 1.5 meters. And this is not yet the end.

Experts unanimously state that this is a cyclical process, and what is happening today is another phase of that cycle. "Here, besides cyclicality, there is also a factor of solar activity, global warming, increased evaporation, and reduced inflow, primarily from the Volga," said Chingiz Ismailov, head of the Caspian Studies Center of the National Academy of Sciences.

Environmentalists argue that the decline in water levels is due to both natural factors and the impact of human activities. The decrease in the level of the Caspian Sea adversely affects the oil industry and fish farming, as well as hinders navigation.