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Soviet Union
The Soviet Union is formed. -
Developments in the Aral Sea
The Soviet Union begins to build canals, to grow grow cotton, rice and cereal. The Soviet Union wanted to be a major exporter of cotton. -
Shrinking Begins
In the 60s the water of the Aral Sea is diverted, this decreases it's surface area by about 60 per cent and consequently loses 80 per cent of its water volume. -
No More Fishing
Commercial fishing is ended as there is simply not a large enough population of fish. -
The Sea Splits
As the sea continues to decrease in size it becomes two different entities, the North Aral Sea and the South Aral Sea. -
Dam Project
The dam project is completed. The Southern Aral Sea is deemed to be beyond the point of being saved. -
Split Again
The Aral Sea is at 10 percent of its former size. It is now four seperate bodies of water.
