Figure 18.22

Aral Sea water diversions. (A) The Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers, originating in the Tian Shan range to the southeast, once flowed into the Aral Sea basin, but are now diverted for agriculture. (B) Cotton fields in the Aral Sea basin. Cotton plants need a lot of water, and standing irrigation water evaporates rapidly in the desert sunlight.(B. © Martin Barlow/Art Directors & Trips Photo/age fotostock)