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Climate change
The Caspian Sea region is climatically diverse en-
compassing the basins of the Volga and Ural rivers
in the North, the vast semi-arid and hot arid plains
of northern Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan in the
east, and the humid Caucasus and Elburz moun-
tains in the south-west. The Caspian Sea plays an
important role in atmospheric processes, regional
water balance and microclimate.
Climatic phenomena in the Caspian are linked
to the Northern Atlantic Oscillation (fluctuations
in atmospheric air pressure). These variations af-
fect temperatures, moisture and winter storms all
across Europe including the Volga basin, as well as
rainfall over the Caspian basin.
Several severe droughts have affected various
parts of the region in recent years. They seem to
confirm scientific models, which, in addition to
higher mean temperatures, generally predict more
extreme weather events. Droughts affect both crop
production and the health of livestock. For exam-
ple, the economically important Karakul sheep of
Turkmenistan, which are raised for wool produc-
tion, are sensitive to heat stress. In addition to
the loss of agricultural productivity, droughts can
increase the frequency and severity of fires, which
may destroy grassland and crops.
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