This research focuses on modeling and predicting environmental, social, and economic consequences of snow/glacier/lake cover loss on land degradation and agricultural resources in Amu Dar’ya River basin (Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pamir mountains) by integrating NASA Remote Sensing products and in situ long-term terrestrial data.

Problem statement Amu Dar’ya River originates in the Pamir mountains (Tajikistan), providing 65% of inflow to the Aral Sea basin and supporting agriculture in dry land areas populated by over 60 million people. Amu Dar’ya R. Basin is characterized by complex social and economic problems ensuing from extensive resource consumption and natural responses to global climate change. Human activity contributes to land degradation via poorly constructed and maintained irrigation systems, salinisation of irrigated lands, and poor pasture management. The feedback effects of extended desertification are increased wind erosion, atmospheric contamination, and dust loading, which accelerate snow and glacier melt.

Home>Projects>Pamir