Water Consumption and Drainage in the Volga Basin

Data on water withdrawal and use in different economic branches in the Volga basin in 1970–2000 are analyzed. Time variations in the removed volumes of waste, mine, and drainage waters, as well as in their chemistry, are considered. Characteristics of water use in 2010 are forecasted based on predictions of the socioeconomic development of Russia and extrapolation of the tendencies established in the dynamics of the analyzed indices.     

Studying the Applicability of Splines to the Formalization of Hydrological Processes in Water Management Problems

The applicability of cubic splines for the identification of different hydrological processes is considered. This technique is used to construct a model of runoff transformation for fragments of the Volga basin. Analysis of the obtained results is given.     

Assessment of possible anthropogenic changes in the runoff of the Syr Darya River on the basis of a mathematical model

The development of a simulation model of water and salt balance for river basins with the predominance of irrigated agriculture is considered. The results of a simulation experiment for the assessment of possible anthropogenic changes in Syr Darya River runoff for some scenarios of the implementation of a set of resource-saving and environment protection measures are given.     

Modeling of operation regime of Aswan water management complex on the Nile River

The development and practical use of a simulation model of operation of the Aswan Water Management Complex are discussed. The environmental, hydrological, and water management conditions of the Nile River before and after the construction of the Aswan Waterworks are assessed. Recommendations concerning the operation regime of the Aswan Water Management Complex under the changing natural and economic conditions are provided.     

Analysis of Long-Term Variations in the Volga Annual Runoff

The stability of sample estimates of statistical parameters was analyzed for segments of the initial time series of annual runoff volumes of the Volga River at Volgograd for 1881/1882–1994/1995. The segments of series considered in this study differ in the extent of anthropogenic impact on the runoff and the type of atmospheric circulation and correspond to characteristic periods in the Caspian Sea level variations. The conclusion is made that there are statistically significant variations in the annual runoff of the Volga, caused by both natural–climatic and anthropogenic variations in the hydrological cycle.     

Year to year variations in water balance components in the Volga Basin and their interaction

A method for the assessment of water balance components in a large water basin is discussed. The assessment is based on data on atmospheric precipitation and river runoff. The major components of annual water balance are determined for the Volga Basin for a period of 109 years (from 1892/1893 to 2000/2001). The main statistical characteristics of time series of water balance elements are estimated and their correlation is calculated.