Causes for Reducing Rivers Runoff in Azerbaijan

Abstract

The results of research on four rivers flowing in the north-eastern and southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus are reflected in the article. It was determined that the average annual consumption of these rivers decreased by 1.05-1.60 times in the period from 2018 to 2021. Based on the analysis of climate factors, it was determined that the decrease in river flows, the decrease in atmospheric precipitation, the change in the nature of their fall, as well as the increase in the average multi-year air temperature and thus evaporation is related. Compared to the years 1961–1990, the average long-term air temperature in Azerbaijan increased by 0.7°C. As a result of the increase in temperature, the amount of evaporation on the water and soil surface in the country increased by an average of 31 mm per year, and the amount of water used for evaporation was 2.68 billion m3 per year. All these mentioned factors have led to water scarcity in the country.