SURFACE WATER RESOURCES OF AFGHANISTAN’S NORTHERN RIVER BASIN AND EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Abstract

 Climate change, which directly impacts human and animal life, is one of the current critical issues worldwide. In Afghanistan, climate change has begun to impact its already limited water resources. This study was conducted using data gathered from the Investigation and Development of Water Resources sector in Afghanistan, which focus on the contributions of the water sector in alleviating poverty as the country strives for the return of peace and stability. A survey of the current state of surface water resources in the Northern River basin of Afghanistan shows that discharge from this basin is 12% higher than in the late 20th century, even though annual precipitation has decreased. The increase in surface temperatures causes an increase in snowmelt volume, and the main source of inputs in this basin has shifted to snowmelt due to climate change.