USING GIS AND REMOTE SENSING IN THE STUDY OF THE INFLUENCE OF DROUGHT ON CHANGES IN FOREST COVER AROUND THE ARAL SEA

The Aral Sea region, a critical ecological zone in Central Asia, has faced severe environmental degradation due to drought and anthropogenic impacts. This study leverages Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing to analyze forest cover changes from 2000 to 2023, focusing on drought’s influence. Using Landsat imagery, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), the research quantifies a 42% forest cover loss, strongly correlated with drought severity (Spearman’s ρ = -0.78, p < 0.01). Visualizations, including 3D models and NDVI histograms, reveal spatial and temporal degradation patterns. Findings underscore the need for hydrological restoration and reforestation to mitigate ecosystem collapse, offering insights for sustainable management in arid regions.