ASSESSMENT OF CHANGES IN THE BADAM RIVER RUNOFF OVER THE LAST DECADES

This article examines the variability of the Badam River runoff over the past decades. In the course of the study, methods of mathematical and statistical analysis, extrapolation, correlation, as well as integral cumulative and residual curves were applied. The long-term and intra-annual variability of river runoff was assessed using the Richards-Baker Index (RBI). The calculation results revealed the influence of both natural factors (morphometric features, climate, relief) and anthropogenic factors (construction of a reservoir, development of irrigation networks, urbanization) on the hydrological regime of the river. Analysis of runoff fluctuations showed that RBI values are higher in small catchments, while relative stability is observed in larger river basins. It was established that the hydrological regime of the Badam River is significantly affected by population growth, the development of agriculture and irrigation activities, as well as the regulating impact of the Badam Reservoir. The research findings are important for effective water resources management, assessment of ecosystem sustainability, and identification of the impact of climatic and anthropogenic factors.