Water levels are falling in the Caspian Sea

Today’s Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features the Caspian Sea, where water levels are expected to rapidly decline in the coming decades. 

According to radar altimetry data collected by multiple satellites and compiled by NASA’s Global Water Monitor, the Caspian’s water levels have already been dropping since the mid-1990s.

One estimate suggests that Caspian water levels will drop by 30 to 59 feet by the end of this century, losing an area that is about the size of Portugal.

NASA reports that most of this water would be lost from the northern part of the Caspian, which could have major ecological consequences for wildlife including mollusks, crustaceans, fish, seals and birds. 

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory 

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By Chrissy Sexton, Earth.com Staff Writer