Caspian Sea – Current Developments

 

Image Courtsey: Worldatlas.com

Context

At the Third Economic Forum of Caspian Littoral States' Prime Ministers held in Tehran, Russia is actively taking steps to prevent the Caspian Sea’s water levels from declining. This issue is critical due to the sea's strategic and economic significance in the region.

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About the Caspian Sea

Geographical Location

• The Caspian Sea is located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.
• It is bordered by Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Russia.
• Situated to the east of the Caucasus Mountains and to the west of the Central Asian steppe, this unique water body holds immense significance.

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World’s Largest Inland Water Body

The Caspian Sea is the world’s largest inland water body, spanning approximately 371,000 square kilometers. Its dual identity as both a sea and a lake is due to its enclosed nature and unique salinity.

• Salinity: The sea has a salinity of 1.2%, making it less saline than ocean water but saltier than typical freshwater lakes.
• Ancient Origin: It is considered a remnant of the ancient Paratethys Sea that existed millions of years ago.

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Natural Resource Wealth

• Oil and Natural Gas: The Caspian region is rich in hydrocarbon resources and contributes significantly to global oil and natural gas production.
• Biodiversity: The Caspian Sea hosts a diverse ecosystem, including the Caspian Seal, which is unique to this water body.
• The sea is also known for its sturgeon population, which produces the prized Caspian caviar.

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Bordering Countries

1. Kazakhstan: The largest country in Central Asia with significant oil exploration in the Caspian region.
2. Turkmenistan: Known for its extensive natural gas reserves along the Caspian coast.
3. Iran: Shares the southern part of the Caspian Sea, contributing to the sea’s cultural and economic diversity.
4. Azerbaijan: Home to Baku, the Caspian’s largest city and a major oil and gas hub.
5. Russia: Plays a dominant role in Caspian geopolitics and trade.

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Major Rivers Feeding the Caspian Sea

Several rivers contribute to the Caspian Sea’s water levels. The most significant are:

1. Volga River:
   • The Volga River, Europe’s longest river, is the largest freshwater contributor to the Caspian Sea.
2. Ural River: Another important inflow from Kazakhstan.
3. Kura and Aras Rivers: These flow from the Caucasus region into the sea.
4. Terek River, Sulak River, Samur River, and Atrek River: These rivers contribute to the sea’s northern and southern regions.

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Strategic Significance

1. Energy Trade Hub: The Caspian Sea region plays a crucial role in transporting oil and gas to Europe and Asia.
2. Geopolitical Importance: Due to its energy resources and location, the Caspian is a hotbed of regional cooperation and competition.
3. Fishing and Tourism: The sea’s rich biodiversity supports commercial fishing and emerging tourism industries.

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Current Challenges

1. Declining Water Levels: The Caspian Sea’s water levels are gradually falling due to reduced river inflows and rising temperatures.
2. Environmental Degradation: Pollution from oil exploration, industrial waste, and untreated sewage threaten marine life.
3. Border Disputes: The legal status of the Caspian Sea has long been debated among the five littoral states, complicating resource-sharing agreements.

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International Cooperation

Efforts are underway to address environmental and economic challenges. At the Third Economic Forum of Caspian Littoral States’ Prime Ministers in Tehran, member countries, including Russia, discussed measures to stabilize water levels and foster regional cooperation.

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Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) for UPSC CSE

1. Which of the following countries does NOT border the Caspian Sea?
   a) Iran
   b) Kazakhstan
   c) Uzbekistan
   d) Azerbaijan
   Answer: c) Uzbekistan

2. Which river is the largest freshwater contributor to the Caspian Sea?
   a) Ural River
   b) Terek River
   c) Volga River
   d) Kura River
   Answer: c) Volga River

3. The Caspian Sea is a remnant of which ancient water body?
   a) Black Sea
   b) Tethys Ocean
   c) Paratethys Sea
   d) Mediterranean Sea
   Answer: c) Paratethys Sea

4. What is the salinity of the Caspian Sea?
   a) 0.5%
   b) 1.2%
   c) 2.0%
   d) 3.5%
   Answer: b) 1.2%

5. Baku, the largest city on the Caspian Sea, is the capital of which country?
   a) Iran
   b) Turkmenistan
   c) Azerbaijan
   d) Russia
   Answer: c) Azerbaijan

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Mains Question for UPSC CSE

Q: Discuss the strategic significance of the Caspian Sea for the countries bordering it. Highlight the key challenges they face and suggest measures to enhance regional cooperation.

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