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ANAS: It's impossible to maintain level of Caspian Sea, adaptation is only necessary approach

05 June 2024 13:41 (UTC +04:00)

Implementing a new concept in designing the infrastructure of the Caspian Sea coast is appropriate and purposeful, Rauf Gardashov, a correspondent member of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), said during his speech at the international scientific-practical conference entitled "Impact of modern climate changes in Azerbaijan on natural complexes and economic system" held at the Institute of Geography today, APA reports.

He stated that the fluctuations in the level of the Caspian Sea are a significant factor affecting the socio-economic life of the Caspian littoral countries, and this impact is more pronounced on the Azerbaijani coast of the Caspian, where the population and industry are largely concentrated.

"In the planning of coastal zone infrastructure (including seaports, roads and railways, tourism and recreational facilities, oil and gas platforms, and pipelines, as well as restored wind, solar, and wave energy installations), taking into account the sea level changes is one of the most crucial factors. Many of these projects require accurate forecasting of sea level within a margin of error not exceeding 0.5 meters for the coming decades."

He also added that, unlike the Caspian Sea, the level changes in the oceans mainly occur as a result of ebb and flow, and because the timing of these changes is precisely determined, it almost does not affect the activity of sea transport. Thus, ships adjust their movements in advance and approach the port when the level is stable: "Since long-term level changes in the Caspian Sea cannot be accurately determined, it is seen that the only correct strategy in the design of coastal zone infrastructure is the application of construction technologies that can be adapted to level changes."

According to the scientist, it can be seen in advance that the development of such a strategy will be effective from an economic point of view: "Based on this, we can illustrate the fact that Indonesia, the Philippines, and Myanmar, possessing some of the world's most captivating coastlines, are occasionally devastated by tsunamis and tornadoes. However, within a short period (until the next tourism season), these tourist attractions are restored. This is made possible by constructing these infrastructure objects from flexible construction materials, taking into account aesthetic beauty. Since sea level changes in the Caspian Sea occur gradually, the risk of infrastructure objects being unexpectedly destroyed is virtually nonexistent. As long as they are built on technologies that can be adjusted and lifted-lowered, allowing them to adapt to sea level changes."