Thermal Conditions in the Aral Sea (1982-2000) from Satellite Data

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a study of the seasonal and interannual variability of Aral Sea sea surface temperature (SST) during the contemporary period (1982-2000) using sea-surface-temperature data obtained from NOAA satellites. A comparison was made between present-day temperature conditions in the sea and observations for 1950-1980, as well as with known predictions of its change due to a sea level reduction. Special aspects of temperature conditions in three Aral Sea (northern, western, and central) regions are examined separately.