Changes in the annual flow of the Kura River

Abstract

The article presents the analysis of changes in the annual flow of the Kura River and its large transboundary tributaries, resulting from climate change and anthropogenic factors, mainly irrigated agriculture. It is shown that a significant change in the flow regime of the Kura River began after the construction of the multi-purpose Mingachevir reservoir in 1953. Morevoer, climate change observed in the river basin since the mid 1990s manifests itself by an increase in air temperature and a decrease in precipitation, which has led to a further decrease in the river’s flow. During the lengthy drought period that began in 2011 and is still in progress, the decrease in the river flow in the downstream section of the Kura River has reached critical levels, causing serious problems regarding not only the irrigation of drylands, but also the supply of drinking water to settlements. The second part of the article describes also other social and economic, as well as environmental consequences of a decrease in the flow of the Kura River.