CHANGES IN THE LEVEL OF THE CASPIAN SEA IN THE MODERN PERIOD

Abstract

The article discusses recent changes in the level of the Caspian Sea, their causes and the impact of this process on the coastal territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan. It is noted that over the past 50 years, sea levels have undergone dramatic changes twice. Thus, the level rose by 2.5 m over 18 years in 1978-1995, and remained relatively stable in 1996-2005. and decreased by 1.9 m in
2006-2022. Currently, there is a process of sea level adjustment. As a result of the recent rise in sea level, 50 thousand hectares of land in the coastal zone of our republic were flooded, and significant damage was caused to industrial and agricultural facilities located on the coast and in the shelf zone. As a result of the constant decrease in sea level over the past 18 years, 38 thousand hectares of land have been freed up under sea water. Data on sea level obtained over 4 thousand years are analyzed and opinions on long-term level forecasts are presented. It is shown that there is a very high probability of a decline by 2050. In the event of a sea level drop of 1.5 m, information is provided on the consequences that may occur in various coastal zones of our Republic.