Contemporary landscape changes in Syrdarya region: a remote sensing and gis analysis

This article analyzes the landscape transformation processes of Syrdarya region over the past three decades (1990–2024) using remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS). The study draws on Landsat and Sentinel-2 satellite imagery, ERA5 reanalysis and meteorological station records, and soil monitoring data. The results show that, alongside the steady expansion of irrigated cropland, secondary salinization and land degradation have intensified: the share of strongly salinized land increased from 8% to 16%, while natural pasture and desert landscapes shrank by almost a half. Mean annual temperature rose by approximately 1.8 °C between 1980 and 2024, and a declining tendency was detected in atmospheric precipitation. The combined effect of anthropogenic factors and climate change is expressed through disturbance of the groundwater regime and the progressive desertification of steppe landscapes. The findings can support more sustainable use of land and water resources and the improvement of landscape monitoring systems in the region.

Original journal page: https://cajii.com/index.php/cajii/article/view/34