Syr Darya River Research Articles

Long-term variations in runoff of the Syr Darya River Basin under climate change and human activities

In this study, we analyzed the hydrological and meteorological data from the Syr Darya River Basin during the period of 1930–2015 to investigate variations in river runoff and the impacts of climate change and human activities on river runoff. The Syr Darya River, which is supplied by snow and glacier meltwater upstream, is an important freshwater source for Central Asia, as nearly half of the population is concentrated in this area. River runoff in this arid region is sensitive to climate change and human activities. Therefore, estimation of the climatic and hydrological changes and the quantification of the impacts of climate change and human activities on river runoff are of great concern and important for regional water resources management. The long-term trends of hydrological time series from the selected 11 hydrological stations in the Syr Darya River Basin were examined by non-parametric methods, including the Pettitt change point test and Mann-Kendall trend tests. It was found that 8 out of 11 hydrological stations showed significant downward trends in river runoff. Change of river runoff variations occurred in the year around 1960. Moreover, during the study period (1930–2015), annual mean temperature, annual precipitation, and annual potential evapotranspiration in the river basin increased substantially. We employed hydrological sensitivity method to evaluate the impacts of climate change and human activities on river runoff based on precipitation and potential evapotranspiration. It was estimated that human activities accounted for over 82.6%–98.7% of the reduction in river runoff, mainly owing to water withdrawal for irrigation purpose. The observed variations in river runoff can subsequently lead to adverse ecological consequences from an ecological and regional water resources management perspective.

Bivalve mollusk fauna and ecological groups of Unionidae and Corbiculidae families in natural and artificial reservoirs of Uzbekistan

The length of the rivers in Uzbekistan and the presence of all the biotopes in the mollusks have made they a favourable reservoir for the mollusks. However, it should be noted that all species in the rivers differ in their density. Rivers and fishery farms play a great role in formation of bivalve mollusks fauna in the canals. It was studied the fishery farms of the Syrdarya River and its surroundings have a major effect on the fauna of the Mirzachul and South Mirzachul canals; the Zarafshan River’s effect on spreading of bivalve mollusks in the Dargom and Eskiankhor canals; the Amudarya River and its surrounding areas influence of fishery farms on the fauna of the Amu-Bukhara, Kizketgan and Karshi main canals. Colletopterum family breeds in the water studied, do not show any superiority in natural or artificial reservoirs compared to other breeds. Three species of these family are included in the Red Book of the Republic of Uzbekistan (C.baсtrianum, C. cyreum sogdianum, C. kokandicum). C. Bactrianum can be found only in rivers in the middle Zarafshan and Amudarya, in the Syrdarya river (Syrdarya Region only), in the reservoir and in the fishery farms only in Chelak, and the canals only in the Tuyatortar and Mirzachul canals.

The Significance of Dicotyledonous Mollusks of the Unionidae Family in the Aquatic Ecosystems of Uzbekistan in Food and Economy

Chinese complex fish species - Oq Amur (Ctenopharyngodon idella) and oq Khumbosh (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) spread in Uzbekistan water ecosystem were studied the spread as result of acclimatization of Sinanodonta gibba, S. orbicularis and S. puerorum bivalve molluscs togather with fish to the ecosystem of Syrdarya, Amudarya and Zarafshan rivers of Uzbekistan. This is because the larvae-gloxidia of the Chinese toothless Sinanodonta seed are parasitic in these fish. The distribution of Sinanodonta gibba, S. orbicularis and S. ruerorum bivalve molluscs in the aquatic ecosystems of Uzbekistan under human influence has led to an expansion of the range of these species. The role of Sinanodonta seeds in the distribution, distribution, ecology, increasing the productivity of water bodies, in food was analyzed for the first time in a comprehensive way.

The role of energy efficiency in the management of water resources of the Syr Darya River basin

A motivation for integrated resource assessments is that they can capture indirect cross-sectoral effects of sectoral policies. This work investigates the electricity system implications from the implementation of basin-wide electricity and water systems efficiency measures. The spatial scope includes the four states that share the Syr Darya River basin. Different interests dictate the management of water resources in the basin. They are necessary for irrigation downstream in spring and summer and upstream, for hydropower generation during winter. The study investigated options to decrease the need for electricity upstream through efficiency measures and by the expansion of regional electricity trade. The scenarios were simulated by developing a multi-country electricity system model using the open source energy modelling system (OSeMOSYS). The results show that lesser investments in hydropower capacity could be needed and less water required in winter. This would reduce pressure on shared water resources.

The role of energy efficiency in the management of water resources of the Syr Darya River basin

A motivation for integrated resource assessments is that they can capture indirect cross-sectoral effects of sectoral policies. This work investigates the electricity system implications from the implementation of basin-wide electricity and water systems efficiency measures. The spatial scope includes the four states that share the Syr Darya River basin. Different interests dictate the management of water resources in the basin. They are necessary for irrigation downstream in spring and summer and upstream, for hydropower generation during winter. The study investigated options to decrease the need for electricity upstream through efficiency measures and by the expansion of regional electricity trade. The scenarios were simulated by developing a multi-country electricity system model using the open source energy modelling system (OSeMOSYS). The results show that lesser investments in hydropower capacity could be needed and less water required in winter. This would reduce pressure on shared water resources.

Современное состояние ихтиофауны и перспективы рыбохозяйственного использования дельтовых озер реки Сырдарья

The article reviews the issues of forming fish populations and studying the current state of commercial fish species in the delta lakes of the Syrdarya River for subsequent effective development of fish farming. In 2020, research works were carried out on lakes Akbilek, Tushchy, Shomishkol, Karakol and Akshatau-Sorgak of Aral District of Kyzylorda Region. At each of them, local ichthyofauna were identified and studied by way of experimental catches. Subsequently, the ichthyologic material was selected, processed and underwent biological analyses. The research also included the determination of physical and geographical parameters of target lakes, as well as evaluation of their chemical water composition. Experimental and control fish catches were carried out using fixed nets with 18-60 mm cells. For biological analysis, 239 fish were selected, including: snakehead (1 sample), wild carp (3 samples), crucian carp (9 samples), roach (102 samples), pike perch (25 samples), pike (26 samples), bass (35 samples), rudd (19 samples), sabre carp (1 sample), bream (11 samples), and asp (11 samples). The suitability of target lakes for further fish husbandry use was determined based on research findings and available literature and archival data.

Барсакелмес қорығы қаттықанаттыларының (Coleoptera) күзгі фаунасы

Coleoptera are the most diverse and species-rich order of insects. Biologically, coleoptera are very diverse. Beetle nutrition is also extremely diverse. Among them there are predators, phytophages, saprophages, necrophages. Predatory beetles prey on various small invertebrates, mainly other insects. Herbivorous beetles feed not only on the green parts of a wide variety of plants, but also on wood. Beetles are found everywhere (in water, on land, on plants, in soil) and are essential in the circulation of substances in nature. The research was carried out in October 2021 in the section of the Syrdarya River delta, up to the Koksarai dam, Amanatkol Lake, Shobankol Lake, Alakol Lake, Akshatau Lake, Shomishkol lake, okr. village. Shomishkol, Kolshykkan lake. Conventional entomological traditional methods were used in the conducted research. As a result of the field work, representatives from the Insect class (Insecta) of the order Coleoptera, or beetles (Coleoptera) were identified. A total of 24 species from 4 families are represented. The sem stands out for its species diversity. Tenebrionidae (12 species), Carabidae (3 species), in the other 2 families, only 1 species are noted. Studies in 2021 have shown a decrease in the number and faunal change of dominant species. Since the studies were conducted in October, many invertebrates have already gone to winter.

METHODS FOR REGULATING THE WATER – SALT REGIME OF IRRIGATED LANDS IN SHIELI DISTRICT, KYZYLORDA REGION

In the article, we consider the agricultural land of Bidaykol in Shieli District of Kyzylorda region as the object of research. The total area of irrigated land in Shieli district is 31,118 hectares, including 72 hectares for the wheat farm. The reclamation status of irrigated land in farms is considered satisfactory, and due to the high level of thinking of some farm lands, there is a change in the mechanical composition of the soil. Of course, the salinity indicator of the soil depends on the salinity of the irrigated water and ground water. In autumn, the water level of the Syr Darya River decreases rapidly, and the ground water of all irrigated lands decreases rapidly. Therefore, the formation of all factors affecting the formation of water-salt order of all irrigation massifs located in the lower reaches of the river, ways to maintain their balance, taking into account the natural and climatic conditions of this region is very relevant.

Assessment of the effects of human activity and natural condition on the outflow of Syr Darya River: A stepwise-cluster factorial analysis method

Water scarcity causes a series of eco-environmental problems, such as land salinization, biodiversity reduction and food crisis, which seriously restricts the sustainable development of the Aral Sea basin. In this study, a stepwise-cluster factorial analysis (SCFA) approach is proposed for assessing the effects of natural condition and human activity on the outflow of Syr Darya River (abbreviated as OSR) that has significant effects on the eco-environmental restoration of the Aral Sea. SCFA coupled stepwise cluster analysis and factorial analysis cannot only reflect the variability of outflow, but also identify the driving factors quantitatively. The results disclose that, in 1960–1991, the dominant factors (affecting the OSR) are upstream inflow (25.77%) > agricultural water use of Uzbekistan (7.21%) > industrial water use of Uzbekistan (4.53%) > agricultural water use of Kazakhstan (3.81%) > Precipitation (3.66%); interactions between upstream inflow and agricultural water use of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan and interactions between reservoir and evapotranspiration have the significant effects on the OSR. Results also indicate that, in 1992–2015, the dominant factors that affect the OSR are agricultural water use of Uzbekistan (23.31%) > agricultural water use of Kazakhstan (22.15%) > industrial water use of Uzbekistan (8.31%) > domestic water use of Kazakhstan (4.68%) > agricultural water use of Tajikistan (4.54%) > domestic water use of Uzbekistan (4.41%); the interactions between industrial water use and agricultural water use of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan and the interactions between reservoir and upstream inflow have the pivotal effects on OSR. In the future, when the agricultural water use of the basin decrease as 4% and the industry water use of Uzbekistan decrease as 2%, the OSR may recover to the middle level of 1970s. The results help identify the major factors affecting the outflow of Syr Darya River as well as seek an effective approach to restore the eco-environment of Aral Sea basin.

A Deshui: New Evidence from the Syr River in Central Asia in "Sui Shu·Tiele Biography"

The "Sui Shu·Tiele Biography" records the distribution of Tiele's ministries in Central Asia. This is a valuable material for studying Tiele history. Among them, it is mentioned that there are many Tiele tribes in Adeshui in the north of Kangguo. Regarding Adshui, there are disputes in academic circles, including the Volga River, Syr Darya River, and Irtysh River. In fact, Ad Shui is the Syr Darya right away, and the ancient sound of the word "Ader" can be restored to a-tak. Its name is probably related to the Tianshan Mountains where the Syr Darya originated. The Turkic language at that time called Tianshan Baishan, or Ak Tagh, therefore, the Syr Darya was called Ad Shui in Chinese historical materials.

Qazaqstan aımaǵyndaǵy kúlbіzіk jazba eskertkіshterі

Since the middle of the XIX century, ancient inscriptions written on silver bowls, bracelets, and bronze mirrors have been found in large numbers on the territory of Kazakhstan from the surface of the earth and archaeological excavations. Currently, the number of such Turkic runic inscriptions is increasing every year. The first Kazakh scientist who found and tried to reveal their meanings was A. Amanzholov. He named such inscriptions found from Kazakhstan, summarizing them by local values as Irtysh, ili, Syrdarya and Ural. The most valuable was the inscription on the silver bowl, found as a result of archaeological excavations from the Issyk mound. Linguists who came from the Academy of Sciences of the former Soviet Union made a categorical conclusion, without presenting any arguments, that the Issyk inscription is in the Iranian language, and cannot be read in the Turkic languages. But Kazakh researchers, not agreeing with this conclusion, began to read this inscription in the ancient Turkic language. Comparing and analyzing these studies, we published our reading in 1993. After that, until 2009, we updated and supplemented our readings three times. One of the Irtysh inscriptions tells about the danger of vodka and wine for human life. And the second tells about the coolness inside the mountain gorge. In the inscriptions found in the Zhetysu area, special attention was paid to hunting. They describe the sensitivity and extreme caution of the mountain goat. The Talgar inscription speaks of yarn and the spinning profession. In one of the aulieatinsky inscriptions, on the seal is written the phrase «my word», and on a large stone about the immensity of the country of the Karakhanids. And the Syrdarya inscription mentions the greatness of the Syrdarya river.

ҚАЗАҚСТАНДАҒЫ ЕРТІС ЖӘНЕ ЖЕТІСУ ЖАЗБА ЕСКЕРТКІШТЕРІ

From the middle of the XIX century, on the territory of Kazakhstan, from the surface of the earth and archaeological excavations, ancient inscriptions written in silver bowls, bracelets, bronze mirrors in large numbers began to be found. Currently, the number of such Turkic runic inscriptions is increasing every year. The first of Kazakhstan scientists who found and tried to reveal their meanings was A.Amanzholov. He named such inscriptions found from Kazakhstan, summarizing them according to local values, such as the Irtysh, Ili, Syrdarya and Ural. One of the Irtysh inscriptions tells about the dangers of vodka and wine for human life. And the second tells about the coolness inside the mountain gorge. In the inscriptions found from the Zhetysu region, attention was paid to hunting. They describe the sensitivity and highest caution of a mountain goat. On the Talgar inscription the words are written about yarn and spinning profession. In one of the Aulie-Ata inscriptions, the phrase “my word” is written on the seal, and on a large stone about the enormity of the country of Karakhanids. And in the Syrdarya inscription the greatness of the Syr Darya river is mentioned. Key words: Issyk letter, Irtysh, ancient inscriptions, seal, jug cover

The Role Of The Central Asians In The Socio-Political And Cultural Life Of Mamluk Egypt

The article considers the strengthening of the Turkic factor in Egypt after the Mamluk Emirs, natives from the Khwarezm, Turkmen and Kipchak tribes, who came to power in the second half of the XIII century. The influence of the Turkic factor affected all aspects of life in Egypt. Under the leadership of the Turkic Emirs, the Egyptians defeated the crusaders who invaded Egypt in 1248. This defeat of the 7th crusade marked the beginning of the General collapse of the Crusades. Another crushing defeat of the Mamluks led by Sultan Kutuz caused the Mongols, stopping their victorious March through the Arab world. As a result of these brilliant victories, Egypt under the first Mamluk Sultans turned into a fairly strong state, which developed agriculture, irrigation, and foreign trade. The article also examines the factors contributing to the transformation of Egypt in the 13-14th centuries in the center of Muslim culture after the fall of the Abbasid Caliphate. Scientists from all over the Muslim world came to Egypt, educational institutions-madrassas were intensively built, and Muslim encyclopedias were created that absorbed the knowledge gained in various Sciences (geography, history, philology, astronomy, mathematics, etc.). Scholars from Khwarezm, the Golden Horde, Azerbaijan, and other Turkic-speaking regions along with Arab scholars taught hadith, logic, oratory, fiqh, and other Muslim Sciences in the famous madrassas of Egypt. In Mamluk Egypt, there was a great interest in the Turkic languages, especially the Oguz-Kipchak dialect. Arabic and Turkic philologists write special works on the vocabulary and grammar of the Turkic languages, and compile Arabic-Turkic dictionaries. In Egypt, a whole layer of artistic Turkic-language literature was created that has survived to the present day. The famous poet Saif Sarayi, who came from the lower reaches of the Syr Darya river in Mawaraunnahr was considered to be its founder. He wrote in Chigatai (old Uzbek) language and is recognized a poet who stands at the origins of Uzbek literature. In addition to his known the names of eight Turkish-speaking poets, most of whom have nisba “al-Khwarizmi”. Notable changes occurred in Arabic literature itself, especially after the decline of Palace Abbasid poetry. There is a convergence of literature with folk art, under the influence of which the poetic genres, such as “zazhal”, “mavval”, “muvashshah”, etc. emerge in the Egyptian poetry. In Mamluk Egypt, the genre of “adaba” is rapidly developing, aimed at bringing up and enlightening the good-natured Muslim in a popular scientific form. The works of “adaba” contained a large amount of poetic and folklore material from rivayats and hikayats, which makes it possible to have a more complete understanding of medieval Arabic literature in general. Unfortunately, the culture, including the fiction of the Mamluk period of Egypt, has been little studied, as well as the influence of the Turkic factor on the cultural and social life of the Egyptians. The Turkic influence is felt in the military and household vocabulary, the introduction of new rituals, court etiquette, changing the criteria for evaluating beauty, in food, clothing, etc. Natives of the Turkic regions, former slaves, historical figures such as the Sultan Shajarat ad-Durr, Mamluk sultans as Kutuz and Beybars became national heroes of the Egyptian people. Folk novels-Sirs were written about their deeds. And in modern times, their names are not forgotten. Prominent Egyptian writers have dedicated their historical novels to them, streets have been named after them, monuments have been erected to them, and series and TV shows dedicated to them are still shown on national television. This article for the first time examines some aspects of the influence of the Turkic factor on the cultural life of Mamluk Egypt and highlights some unknown pages of cultural relations between Egypt and Mawaraunnahr.

DESERTIFICATION AND LAND DEGRADATION IN KAZAKHSTAN

Desertification and land degradation are common processes in arid and semi-arid regions of Kazakhstan, especially southern parts, where areas are covered by a great variety of desert types. In deserts, soil-forming processes take place in conditions of severe water shortage, and high level of soil degradation and desertification. The main natural factors for these processes are a flat terrain, a high degree of arid climate, soil salinity, carbonate content, a lack of structure and low natural soil fertility. However, the anthropogenic factors of desertification and soil degradation became dominant last decades. The study considers the actual problems of natural and anthropogenic factors of desertification and land degradation within Kazakhstan. The desertification of huge territories is accompanied by soil contamination, waterlogging by surface water and groundwater, soil salinization, erosion (water, wind), degradation of vegetation cover, dehumidification and a decrease in general regional biological capacity. Analysis of the current status of the soil cover has shown intensive land degradation 43 % of the territory of Kazakhstan is subjected to degradation in significant degree; over 14 % of pastures have reached an extreme degree of degradation or are completely degradated. The Aral Sea region, Northern Caspian Sea and Southern Balkhash deserts can be observed as areas of intensive soil desertification, salinization and deflation processes. As well as the desertification process are progressing in the irrigated soils of the deltas of Syrdarya, Shu, Ile and Karatal rivers.

Morphological Patterns of the Early Mediaeval Population of the Eastern Aral Region (Based on the Materials of Altyn-Asar Burial Sites)

Introduction. Morphological studies of ancient peoples are associated with traditions of physical anthropology classifying data of similarity and differences of appearance of humans in the past. The use of standard measurement techniques contributed to the accumulation of a data array that allows drawing conclusions about the origin and environment of paleopopulations even with a small number and preservation of skeletal material. Archaeological sites of the Jetyasar culture were investigated in the 80s of the 21st century by the Khwarism Expedition of the USSR Academy of Sciences in the low basin of the Syr Darya river. The culture originated as a result of contacts of oasis agriculturists and steppe cattle-breeders in the northern part of the Great Silk Road. The majority of material is associated with the period from the first centuries AD till the 8th century, when local population left places due to increased aridity. According to archaeological data, during the 4 th – 7th centuries part of the inhabitants of the region had migrant origin and/or participated in the Great Migration to the west. The goal of the study is to evaluate the morphological diversity of the Jetyasar people during the mediaeval time. Methods and Materials. The skeletal series from Altyn-Asar 4a-t, Tompakasar, Kosasar burial sites totally represents remains of 600 individuals of different chronology. Comparative data from Southern Siberia, Middle Asia, North Caucasus and Central Europe helps to study the differentiation of the mediaeval population by basic parameters of the skeletal constitution reflected in the size and linear body proportions (method of canonic analysis). Results and Conclusions. The paper reveals some trends which might indicate genetic relations of some Jetyasar groups and their possible participation in migrations. Morphological similarity of groups from Kosasar-2 and Altyn-Asar 4v burial sites with inhabitants of Mongolia and Tuva of the Hun-Sarmatian time has been detected. The patterns of physical development of people from Altyn-Asar 4m necropolis confirm the hypothesis of archaeologists about their migrant origin. However, the majority of other early and later groups have morphological analogies among the earlier or synchronous population of Middle Asia (Altyn-Asar 4b, l, d, r, g, Tompakasar). Part of the population demonstrates peculiar morphological similarity with the Avars of Central Europe (Altyn-Asar 4k, t, o).

Characteristics and Causes of Changes in Water Quality in the Syr Darya River, Kazakhstan

The water quality parameters, like major ions, have been monitored at three stations located along the Syr Darya River. The trend analysis was performed on annual timescales using the Mann–Kendall test, the Sen’s slope estimator and the linear regression. The relationships of the water quality parameters to river discharge were also investigated. The statistical methods showed both positive and negative trends in annual water quality data and major ions. Significant trends were detected by the statistical methods in sulphate, sodium-potassium ion and chloride ion series. Before 1940 the mineralization of water was 0.4–0.6 g/L and the water was bicarbonate-calcium, with an increased sulfate ions volume. Atthe moment, the mineralization index has become three times higher. The mineralization varies from 0.9–1.2 g/L in the upper and 1.5–2.0 g/L in the lower reaches of the river. The sulfate ion and sodium-potassium ions began to predominate, dangerously exceeded volumes of the chloride ion in the lower part of the river are observed.

Estimation of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau runoff and its contribution to large Asian rivers

The Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau (QTP), named the Asian Water Towers, feeds more than 2.5 billion people in downstream regions. It is still unknown how much water outflows from this region owing to lack of observations. The main objective of this study is to clarify availability of water flowed out of this region and its contribution to large Asian rivers. The Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) products are evaluated with the help of observations of the QTP. In addition, a velocity-based routing method is embedded into the GLDAS model to route runoff products to the basin outlet in this study. The results show that the simulated dry season runoff in the GLDAS model is generally lower than the observed value, which is mainly because most hydrological models only consider the potential evapotranspiration (ET) when simulating ET, while ignoring the water constraint factor. Noah10_v2.0 has the highest precision at the QTP. For the monthly precipitation and runoff series, the relative error is within 5%, the correlation coefficient is greater than 0.90, and the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiencies are 0.95 and 0.76, respectively. Glacier melt runoff plays an important role in the QTP runoff, with a proportion of approximately 22%. It is relatively high in the Tarim River basin (83%), Syr Darya River and Amu Darya River basins (69%), and Indus River basin (60%). The contribution ratio also reaches 23% in the Yarlung Zangbo–Brahmaputra River and Ganges River basins, whereas it is the lowest in the Irrawaddy River basin (2%). According to the Noah10_v2.0 simulations, the mean annual runoff provided by the QTP exceeds 620 billion cubic metres, of which approximately 440 billion cubic metres flow out of the QTP and supply downstream regions of international rivers. The contribution ratio of the QTP runoff to the total runoff of its affected basins is approximately 16%.

Ecohydrology of the Syrdarya River under irrigation water management in the Fergana Valley

Sustainable and efficient water resources management is important for the irrigation dominated agricultural system and therefore for the rural population and the environment of the arid regions. The objective of this study is to provide an overview of ecohydrology and irrigation water management in the region and to lay down some opportunities for cooperation at the transboundary level with the aim of increasing water productivity and environmental sustainability. Based on extensive literature review and analysis of secondary data from different organizations, we found that water management in the region’s agriculture faces increasing challenges that are accumulated over time. It is hoped that conclusions from this study will help set the stage for productive discussions and to identify research needs in the region.

THE AVIFAUNA OF MARSH BIRDS IN THE RESERVOIRS OF THE KARATAU MOUNTAIN SYSTEM

The Karatau mountain range is a low-mountain system, does not have natural water sources in the form of lakes. Artificial water objects – water reservoirs – are the only large water bodies where most species of water birds are often found or locating during migration. One of the strategic important water bodies for agriculture of the Karatau mountain range is the Koskorgan reservoir. In addition, the Syrdarya River, one of the largest rivers in Kazakhstan, is the most important waterway in the researched region. During the spring flood of the river, temporary water bodies form on a vast territory, which also contributes to an increase in the species diversity of the avifauna of the region. These two water objects served to research the fauna of water birds. We have researched the main species of avifauna, both nesting and found during migrations.

Changes in Extreme Precipitation across 30 Global River Basins

Extreme precipitation can cause disasters such as floods, landslides and crop destruction. A further study on extreme precipitation is essential for enabling reliable projections of future changes. In this study, the trends and frequency distribution changes in extreme precipitation across different major river basins around the world during 1960–2011 were examined based on two of the latest observational data sets respectively collected from 110,000 and 26,592 global meteorological stations. The results showed that approximately a quarter of basins have experienced statistically significant increase in maximum consecutive one-day, three-day and five-day precipitation (RX1day, RX3day and RX5day, respectively). In particular, dramatic increases were found in the recent decade for the Syr Darya River basin (SDR) and Amu Darya River basin (ADR) in the Middle East, while a decrease in RX3day and RX5day were seen over the Amur River basin in East Asia. One third of basins showed remarkable changes in frequency distributions of the three indices, and in most cases the distributions shifted toward larger amounts of extreme precipitation. Relative to the subperiod of 1960–1984, wider range of the three indices over SDR and ADR were detected for 1985–2011, indicating intensification along with larger fluctuations of extreme precipitation. However, some basins have frequency distributions shifting toward smaller amounts of RX3day and RX5day, such as the Columbia River basin and the Yellow River basin. The study has potential to provide the most up-to-date and comprehensive global picture of extreme precipitation, which help guide wiser public policies in future to mitigate the effects of these changes across global river basins.