CALCULATION OF THE MINIMUM NUMBER OF HYDROLOGICAL OBSERVATION STATIONS OF THE HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL SERVICE NETWORK IN THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN

The article estimates the number of hydrological observation points taking into account the minimum density of their location and in accordance with WMO recommendations. The territories of Kazakhstan, distinguished by a great variety of climatic conditions and natural zones, have different water availability and require separate norms in the organization of observation points in river basins, known water management regions of the republic. For each river basin, the areas of physiographic regions belonging to different natural zones, including drainless areas, were calculated, which amounted to more than 700 thousand km2. As a result of the calculation, the total minimum number of hydrological posts for the whole country was justified to be 500. However, with economic growth, this number should be increased in accordance with the developed principles and territorial zoning for more effective water resources management.