Caspian Sea evaporation basin

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Caspian Sea evaporation basin

Caspian Sea evaporation basin from space. North is at top right. The landlocked salt waters of the Caspian Sea (eastern arm, upper left) flow into this large evaporation basin, the Kara-Bogaz Gol (centre), through a narrow strait (centre left). Evaporation from the shallow basin, results in some of the saltiest waters in the world, allowing mining of the salt deposits. The strait was dammed in 1980, to conserve rising waters in the Caspian Sea. The dam, and its later removal, led to soil salt poisoning and flooding in the area. The basin is in western Turkmenistan. Part of Kazakhstan is at upper right. Photographed on 28 October 1995, on mission STS-73 by the Space Shuttle Columbia

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Media ID 6357825

© NASA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

1995 28th Artificial Canal Caspian Sea Channel Columbia Engineering Flat From Space Inland Kazakh Kazakhstan Land Mine Mines Mining October Satellite Space Shuttle Dyke Landlocked Salt Flats Turkmenistan

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the vast Caspian Sea evaporation basin as seen from space. The image, taken on October 28,1995, during mission STS-73 by the Space Shuttle Columbia, reveals a unique perspective of this remarkable geographical feature. Located in western Turkmenistan with part of Kazakhstan visible at the upper right corner, the landlocked salt waters of the Caspian Sea flow into this expansive evaporation basin known as Kara-Bogaz Gol through a narrow strait. The shallow nature of the basin combined with intense evaporation results in some of the saltiest waters found anywhere on Earth. This high salinity has allowed for mining operations to extract valuable salt deposits from this region. However, human intervention has had both positive and negative consequences for this delicate ecosystem. In an effort to conserve rising water levels in the Caspian Sea, engineers constructed a dam across the strait in 1980. Unfortunately, its subsequent removal led to soil salt poisoning and flooding in surrounding areas. This photograph serves as a reminder of how our actions can have far-reaching effects on natural environments. With its flat terrain and artificial channels cutting through it, this industrial landscape stands out against the backdrop of Asia's diverse geography captured by satellite imagery. It is an intriguing testament to both human ingenuity and our impact on fragile ecosystems like these salt flats in Turkmenistan.

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