Caspian Sea level

The elevation of the Caspian Sea’s surface relative to a reference datum. It changes as river inflows, precipitation, evaporation, and human water use alter the sea’s water balance.

Volga River: Europe’s longest river, which drains into the northern Caspian Sea. It supplies most of the Caspian’s river inflow, strongly affecting its level.
Caspian seal: A seal species endemic to the Caspian Sea. Changing water levels alter the coastal and island habitats used by this species.
Caspian Sea transgression: A sustained rise of the Caspian Sea that inundates previously exposed land. The major rise beginning in the late 1970s is a prominent modern example of level change.
Caspian Sea climate modeling: The use of climate models to estimate future conditions over the Caspian Sea and its drainage basin. Different estimates of future temperature and precipitation produce different level trajectories.
Evaporation: The change of liquid water into water vapor at a surface. Evaporation removes water from the Caspian and is a major control on its level.
Caspian Sea coastline: The boundary between the Caspian Sea and the surrounding land. Level changes move this boundary, exposing or inundating broad, gently sloping shores.
Caspian Sea regression: A sustained fall of the Caspian Sea that exposes former seabed or shoreline. The decline since the mid-1990s illustrates how a prolonged negative water balance reshapes the coast.
Volga River water management: The regulation and allocation of water in the Volga River basin. Reservoir operations and withdrawals can modify the inflow that sustains the Caspian.
Water balance: An accounting of water entering, leaving, and accumulating in a defined system. The Caspian’s level reflects the balance between inflows, precipitation, evaporation, and withdrawals.
Caspian Sea ports: Harbors and port facilities situated along the Caspian Sea. Falling levels can reduce harbor depth and complicate navigation and port operations.

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