Recent Trends
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In 2024, the Volga River basin experienced record-low annual soil moisture levels, reflecting a significant decline in subsoil moisture across the region6.
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This drop is part of a broader pattern of extreme climate variability, with the Volga basin among eight major global river basins reporting such lows last year6.
Seasonal and Long-Term Changes
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Projections and recent observations indicate that summer soil moisture in the Volga basin is expected to decrease by 20–40 mm, a substantial reduction that can impact agriculture, water supply, and ecosystem health3.
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Climate change is a key driver behind these trends, with rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns leading to reduced subsoil moisture, especially during the summer months36.
Hydrological Context
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About 30.8% of the region’s freshwater is stored in groundwater, which includes soil moisture, highlighting the importance of subsoil water reserves for the Volga basin’s water balance1.
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Wetlands and peatlands in the Volga basin help regulate soil moisture by increasing the soil’s water retention capacity, but even these areas are affected by prolonged dry periods and reduced subsoil moisture7.
Implications
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The decline in subsoil moisture levels can lead to increased drought risk, reduced river flows, and stress on agriculture and natural ecosystems in the Volga basin.
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These changes underscore the need for ongoing monitoring and adaptive water management strategies to address the impacts of climate variability and change.
Summary Table: Volga Basin Soil Moisture Trends
| Year/Period | Soil Moisture Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Record-low annual levels | Among lowest globally for major basins6 |
| Recent years | Summer decrease of 20–40 mm | Linked to warming and changing rainfall3 |
The Volga River basin is currently facing historically low subsoil moisture levels, driven by recent climate extremes and long-term warming trends, with significant implications for water resources and regional sustainability361.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/16/3/491
- http://isi.irtces.org/isi/rootfiles/2017/07/04/1496391629451299-1498713525725099.pdf
- https://www.mdpi.com/2225-1154/10/7/107
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S016719872030653X
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969719347618
- https://www.globalwater.online/globalwater/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/GWM-Report-2024.pdf
- https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/d1b84dba72304b49aa360a1903b6addc
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