Most Affordable IAS Coaching in India  

Whatsapp 93132-18734 For Details

Caspian Sea and Bordering Countries UPSC CSE

Caspian Sea

Get Free IAS Booklet

Get Free IAS Booklet

Summary of Caspian Sea

The Caspian Sea, bordered by Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, the Russian Federation, and Turkmenistan, boasts exceptional biological diversity and rich oil and gas resources. The region's climate is influenced by various factors, while its brackish waters have an average salinity of 12.7 grams per liter. The Caspian Sea faces threats from river regulation, illegal fishing, sea-level changes, pollution, and invasive species. Its legal classification as a sea or lake remains unresolved, complicating regulatory efforts. Urgent ecological surveys and transboundary biodiversity management strategies are needed to safeguard the region's biodiversity and ensure its long-term ecological health.

Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, the Russian Federation and Turkmenistan.

Background of Caspian Sea

The Caspian Sea and its coastal zone boast exceptional biological diversity, rendering the region among the world's most valuable ecosystems. Characterized by a remarkably high rate of biological endemism, the Caspian Sea hosts a plethora of species spanning nearly all major phyla on Earth. Its diverse habitats, ranging from expansive river systems to extensive wetlands, sustain a rich variety of flora and fauna with abundant natural productivity. Despite its ecological significance, the Caspian region is also abundant in oil and gas resources. However, the escalating exploitation of these resources poses a significant threat to the region's biodiversity.

Introduction of Caspian Sea

The Caspian Sea, situated between Europe and Asia, stands out as a distinctive natural reservoir. Encompassing approximately 392,600 square kilometers, it holds the title of being the world's largest landlocked water body. Its expansive water area equals that of the Baltic Sea, which spans 387,000 square kilometers, and surpasses that of the Adriatic Sea, covering 139,000 square kilometers.

Location


Cities : Major cities on or nearby the sea’s coast


Rivers : The Caspian Sea receives water from numerous rivers, each contributing to its unique ecosystem and hydrological balance.

A sea or a lake?

Climate

The climate in the Caspian Sea region is influenced by various factors, including cold arctic air, moist sea air from the Atlantic Ocean, dry continental air from Kazakhstan, and warm air from the Mediterranean Sea and Iran. The sea's semi-enclosed nature moderates temperature extremes, resulting in relatively mild winters and warm summers. The Caspian's climate variability has implications for its hydrology, ecology, and socio-economic activities, highlighting the need for adaptive management strategies to address climate-related challenges.

Water salinity and temperature

Biodiversity


Main threats faced by the biodiversity of Caspian Sea are

Conclusion of Caspian Sea

An immediate ecological survey is imperative to assess coastal and marine species and habitats, along with their uses, values, and associated threats across the five Caspian states. This survey will help establish an inventory of Caspian ecological resources. Additionally, it is essential to devise strategies for managing transboundary biodiversity, especially focusing on threatened or endangered migratory species. By undertaking these measures, the Caspian states can effectively address the conservation and sustainable management of their shared biodiversity, ensuring the long-term ecological health of the Caspian Sea region

Prelims PYQS of Caspian Sea and Bordering Countries

Consider the following pairs: ( 2020)
Sea - bordering country
1. Adriatic Sea —Albania
2. Black Sea– Croatia
3. Caspian Sea —Kazakhstan
4. Mediterranean Sea —Morocco
5. Red Sea —Syria

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1, 2 and 4 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Correct Answer :(b) 1, 3 and 4 only

For Offline/Online Admission Call: 93132-18122

Call Us Whatsapp Us

Book your Free Class

Book your Free Class

ias-academy-form-m