The Aral Sea

The Aral Sea is a large water body found in central Asia east of the larger Caspian Sea. It is bordered on the edges of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, two former Soviet Republics. The Aral Sea was once one of the four largest lakes on Earth, encompassing 26,300 sq. miles. In 2014, only 10% of the Aral Sea remains. This phenomena is known as the "Aral Sea Disaster". The Aral Sea Disaster refers to the unprecedented nightmare event of a large body of water disappearing almost entirely. Such an event has massive negative impacts on both human and environmental health in the affected areas. In addition to health problems, the Aral Sea Disaster has irreparably damaged economic industries in both countries, particularly the fishing, sailing, and tourism industry. What was once a unique part of Earth's biosphere that teemed with aquatic life is now little more than a dried up testament to what happens when humans interfere with nature.