Session Details

Global warming, rapid past climatic changes and natural hazards have affected in various ways the extent and properties of large water bodies in SW Asia. For example the Aral Sea level has gone catastrophically down with the restriction of the main inflowing rivers, while the Caspian Sea level, at the same time, has gone up for unclear reasons. The Dead Sea level has fluctuated dramatically both during the last century and during the last millennia. The recent history of the Black sea level is under investigation, as two scientific teams have opposite views with regards to the timing and amplitude of its reconnection to the Mediterranean Sea at the beginning of the Holocene. In many regions, local populations depending on these water sources for drinking or for economical activities have been deeply affected.
This session will bring together researchers who will present evidence for rapid changes in water levels and quality during the Quaternary in SW Asia, including sedimentological, geomorphic, and palaeoecological aspects. Analogues for future change will be presented, as well as how humans were impacted by these dramatic changes in the past.