Gallery. North-Western coast of the Caspian Sea. RDC ScanEx

Gallery

Title
North-Western coast of the Caspian Sea

Acquisition date
24.09.2005

Sensor
IRS-1C, LISS

550 x 550
JPEG (322 KB)

North-Western coast of the Caspian Sea

The space image displayed was acquired by the LISS sensor of IRS-1C satellite and presented in pseudo-color with synthesis of near IR, red and green channels. The image enables to see a unique natural complex, where the Caspian lake province is tied up with Baer knolls, semi-desert and intrazonal natural formation – the Volga River estuary. The visible area relates to South-Eastern part of Pre-Caspian lowlands, lying at 27 meters below sea level and to North-Western coast of the Caspian Sea, known as the greatest lake without outlet. Geological history of this area consists of the intermittent periods of sea advances and reliction, each depositing new formations and creating different forms of terrain. Contemporary complex of coastal forms shifted towards the land, resulting in the creation of “drying type” coasts, in particular of the tideland area of cane dewatering.
On the Kalmyk coast of the Caspian Sea in the arid conditions with intensive wind a maritime lowland plain was formed. White spots of alkaline soil can be clearly seen in the depressions. Its presence can be explained by the fact that ancient sea deposits with high mineralization has recently emerged from the sea level and with low precipitation did not have enough time to desalinate. Near the roads and farmsteads, sandy alkaline soil and salted sands with no vegetation also stand out in white. An area of green-grey blown sands is around, which orientation in major axis matches the direction of prevailing eastward and south-eastward winds. On this territory as a result of irrational human activity, desertification is progressing with expansion to the irrigated lands, resalinization and deflation. Above the marine lowland plain there are parallel almost longitudinal ridges – the so-called Baer knolls of 25 km length and 10 to 45 m height. They are made of sands and impacted with clay binder, with small lakes and channels.

Almost the entire volume of the shallow-water Caspian Sea gulf is occupied by the world greatest estuary – the Volga River delta, now and then turning into sea bed or back to estuary or dry land again and again. The delta front is located to the south – a vast shallow water offshore area with 1 meter depth and bottom subdued relief, stretching towards the sea for up to 50 km. Here, as a result of river and sea dereliction deposits, islands are being created – the relief of the future above-water part of the estuary. In 1919, the Astrakhan zapovednik (strict nature reserve) of 63 000 ha was established in the lower estuary to protect the flora and fauna of this unique natural complex. Its territory is now divided into three sections. The image represents only the western section – Damchiksky. Among the flora species, the most renowned is the nut-bearing lotus (Nelumbo nuciferum), which is also known as the Caspian rose. From mid July through September a vast sea of blue-green leaves and rose flowers spreads over more than 5 000 ha of blooming lotus. The Arkhangelsk zapovednik is regarded as the “bird hostel”. At different times one may encounter over 250 bird species, most registered in the Red Book, such as peregrine falcon and Siberian white crane. Fish fauna is of great value as well. The Astrakhan zapovednik is not only protecting the species within a confined territory, but also serves as the source of animal colonization throughout the Volga River estuary.

Title:	North-Western coast of the Caspian Sea
Acquisition date:	24.09.2005
Sensor:	IRS-1C, LISS

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©2005-2010 R&D Center ScanEx. All Rights Reserved.
mailto: webmaster@scanex.ru