Final answer:
The causes of the changes to the Aral Sea include the diversion of water for irrigation and the construction of dams. These have resulted in the shrinking of the sea, increased salinity, extinction of fish species, collapse of the fishing industry, and the spread of toxic dust storms. The effects have had significant environmental and social consequences.
Step-by-step explanation:
Causes and Effects of the Changes to the Aral Sea
The Aral Sea, located between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, has experienced significant changes over the past 60 years. The main causes of these changes can be attributed to human activities, including the diversion of water from the sea's main tributaries for irrigation purposes and the construction of dams. As a result, the Aral Sea has been shrinking in size, leading to several detrimental effects on the environment and local communities.
The diversion of water for irrigation has caused the sea to lose a significant portion of its volume. The reduced water inflow, combined with high evaporation rates, has caused the Aral Sea to shrink dramatically. This has resulted in the exposure of the sea bed and the formation of new land surfaces. Additionally, the salinity of the water has increased due to the higher concentration of salts, leading to the extinction of many fish species and the disruption of the ecosystem.
The shrinking of the Aral Sea has also had negative effects on local communities. The once-thriving fishing industry has collapsed as the fish population has declined. The loss of livelihoods has forced many residents to migrate to other regions in search of opportunities. Furthermore, the exposure of the sea bed has led to the spread of toxic dust storms, which carry harmful chemicals and pollutants, negatively impacting the health of the population residing in the surrounding areas.
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