Aral Sea syndrome desiccates Lake Urmia: Call for action

摘要: Lake Urmia, one of the largest saltwater lakes on earth and a highly endangered ecosystem, is brink major environmental disaster similar to catastrophic death Aral Sea. With new composite multi-spectral high resolution satellite observations, we show that area this Iranian lake has decreased by around 88% in past decades, far more than previously reported (~ 25% 50%). The lake's shoreline been receding severely with no sign recovery, which partly blamed prolonged droughts. We use basin's satellite-based gauge-adjusted climate record Standardized Precipitation Index data demonstrate on-going retreat not solely an artifact droughts alone. Drastic changes health are primarily consequences aggressive regional water resources development plans, intensive agricultural activities, anthropogenic system, upstream competition over water. This commentary call for action both develop sustainable restoration ideas put visions strategies into practice before Urmia falls victim Sea syndrome.