Project Manager: Candidate of Geographical Sciences, Associate Professor S.K. Alimkulov
Project goal: Development of recommendations for stabilizing the water level of Balkash Lake by different scenarios of changes in external water exchange
Expected Results:
- Analysis of the Balkash Lake water level with the identification of climatic and anthropogenic factors of its long-term dynamics..
- Field data on the topography of Balkash Lake and measured hydrological characteristic.
- Updated bathygraphic curve and bathymetric map of the lake with assessment of the dynamics of its water resources.
- Assessment and analysis of the Balkash Lake water balance elements and their dependence on climatic and anthropogenic factors.
- Assessment and analysis of the value of water exchange between the Western and Eastern Balkash
- Assessment and analysis of water level changes for the future prospective.
- Recommendations for the use and protection of water resources in order to ensure the balanced state of Balkash Lake.
Results obtained:
- An analysis of the water level of Lake Balkhash was performed with the identification of climatic and anthropogenic factors influencing its long-term dynamics.
- Field data on the topography of Lake Balkhash and measured hydrological characteristics were obtained.
- The bathymetric curve and bathymetric map of the lake were refined, along with an assessment of the dynamics of its water resources.
- An assessment and analysis of the components of Lake Balkhash’s water balance were conducted, taking into account their dependence on climatic and anthropogenic factors.
- An assessment and analysis of water exchange between Western and Eastern Balkhash were carried out.
- An assessment and analysis of future changes in the lake’s water level were conducted.
The obtained results have been published:
- Alimkulov S., Makhmudova L., Talipova E. K., Baspakova G., Tigkas D., Isakan G. Response of the water level of the Balkash Lake to the distribution of meteorological and hydrological droughts under the conditions of climate change. // Journal of Water and Climate Change. – 2024. – 15 (7). – 3395. percentile - 66, Q2. https://doi.org/10.2166/wcc.2024.271
- Alimkulov S., Makhmudova L., Talipova E., Baspakova G., Monkayeva G. Assessment of the impacts of climate change on drought intensity and frequency using SPI and SPEI in the Southern Pre-Balkash region, Kazakhstan // Watershed Ecology and the Environment. – 2025. – Volume 7. – P. 11-22. percentile - 55, Q2. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wsee.2024.12.001
- Alimkulov S., MyrzakhmetovA., Talipova E., Baspakova G., Kanay M., Rustem D. Study of the water balance of Lake Balkhash, taking into account the main climatic factors and major water management activities in the basin // Geography and Water Resources. – 2025. – № 1. – С. 41-55. https://doi.org/10.55764/2957-9856/2025-1-41-55.5
Field Research:
In order to achieve the set objectives, expeditionary work was carried out in the water area of Lake Balkash, which consisted of a special instrumental study to study the morphometric features and clarify the topography of the lake basin. Also, measurements of water flow between separate parts of Balkashan in the Uzynaral Strait were carried out.
The expedition studies included reconnaissance and bathymetric works (determination of high and low water levels, measurements of water depths, etc.) on Lake Balkash, which were organised by the staff of the Water Resources Laboratory of JSC ‘Institute of Geography and Water Security’.
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