The steppe expedition of the Russian Geographical Society, together with colleagues from M. Utemisov West Kazakhstan University, conducted research in the north-west of Kazakhstan. Scientists examined more than 50 sor (solonchak) landscape formations on the territory of the West Kazakhstan region.
The expedition participants studied the continental delta of the Ashchyozek River for the first time. In the spring of 2024, two main meltwater breakthroughs were observed into the basins of Lake Aralsor and Zhalpak Sor (shallow, drainless, periodically drying reservoir), as well as from Zhalpak Sor to Batpak Sor. The largest gulch of the Kyzylotkel model territory was also examined, which in places resembles a canyon-like ravine with a depth of up to 15 m and a width of 50-70 m. Here, scientists have found traces of a large artificial reservoir, which probably ceased to exist about 30 years ago.
Large-scale haymaking of inter- and near-flat interfluves (flat watersheds) has been recorded. Hay harvesting was carried out until the beginning of October. Haymaking is a consequence of the growth of livestock and confirms the steppe (rather than desert) nature of the landscape of the model territory.
A stable number of saigas in this territory (from 100,000 to 150,000 heads) and their concentration on the sors and near artificial reservoirs have been established. Due to large-scale haymaking on all productive steppe lands, it is possible to predict a deterioration in the conditions of winter pastures in the winter of 2024-2025, especially during the formation of the ice crust.
Aleksandr Chibilev with colleagues from Kazakhstan. Photo: Pavel Velmovsky
The total number of steppe eagles migrating in search of food on the territory is estimated at 120-150 specimens, the long-legged buzzard at no more than 40 specimens, the white-tailed eagle at single digits. The expedition participants took photos and filmed videos of the main landscapes of the territory for the planned traveling exhibition.
The expedition was led by Aleksandr Chibilev, Chairman of the Permanent Environmental Protection Commission and Vice-President of the Russian Geographical Society, member of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Pavel Velmovsky, a member of the Environmental Protection Commission of the Orenburg Regional Branch of the RGS, took part in the expedition.