Spatial–temporal variations and response mechanisms of groundwater storage anomalies in Central Asia under global warming
Study region: Five Central Asia (CA) countries, including Kazakhstan (KAZ), Kyrgyzstan (KGZ), Uzbekistan (UZB), Tajikistan (TJK) and Turkmenistan (TKM), as well as Xinjiang (XJ), China. Study Focus: Groundwater depletion is widespread in arid regions such as CA, especially in the context of global w...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Elsevier
2025-08-01
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| Series: | Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214581825003714 |
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| Summary: | Study region: Five Central Asia (CA) countries, including Kazakhstan (KAZ), Kyrgyzstan (KGZ), Uzbekistan (UZB), Tajikistan (TJK) and Turkmenistan (TKM), as well as Xinjiang (XJ), China. Study Focus: Groundwater depletion is widespread in arid regions such as CA, especially in the context of global warming and population growth. To achieve rational use and management of groundwater resources in CA, it is essential to understand the changes in groundwater storage and the response mechanisms influenced by climate and human activities. This study analyzed these aspects using statistical and correlation methods. New hydrological insights for the region: The study shows a three-stage trend of GWSA in CA: “decline-rise-decline” (–0.45 mm/yr from 2002 to 2008, +0.29 mm/yr from 2009 to 2017, and –0.01 mm/yr after 2018), especially in KAZ, KGZ, and UZB, indicating dynamic changes in regional groundwater. The significant decline in groundwater storage is likely due to increased water consumption from arable land expansion and rising air temperatures (GWSA positively correlated with precipitation and negatively correlated with agricultural and domestic water withdrawals), while the sharp increase is probably related to water resource policies in CA. The results suggest opportunities to enhance groundwater recharge during rainy periods and the risk of over-exploitation. Recommendations include establishing a climate-resilient water management system, adopting water-saving technologies, and enhancing transboundary cooperation to ensure sustainable regional water resource utilization. |
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| ISSN: | 2214-5818 |