Environmental and Social Management Framework (esmf)

Hydrography

57. 
    Hydrographically, the Republic of Azerbaijan belongs to the Caspian Sea basin. The water systems of Azerbaijan (rivers, lakes) were formed over a long geological timeframe and changed significantly throughout that period. This is particularly evidenced by remnants of ancient rivers found throughout the country. The country's water systems are continually changing under the influence of natural forces and human introduced industrial activities. Artificial rivers (canals) and ponds are a part of Azerbaijan's water systems.
    
58. 
    Rivers. Rivers form the principal part of the water systems of Azerbaijan. There are 8,359 rivers of various lengths within Azerbaijan. Of them 8,188 rivers are less than 25 kilometers in length. Only 24 rivers are over 100 kilometers long. Kur, Araz, Qanix (in Alazan), Qabirri (Iori), Samur, Terter, Turyan, Agstafa, Hekeri, Vilesh and others are the largest rivers that flow through the country.
    
59. 
    Kur and Araz run through the Kur-Araz lowland. The rivers that directly flow into the Caspian Sea, originate mainly from the north-eastern slope of the Greater Caucasus and Talysh mountains and run along the Samur-Devechi and Lenkeran lowlands.
    
60. 
    Azerbaijan river systems are changing and evolving under the influence of various physiographic factors: climate, landscape, geological structure, soil and vegetation. The density of the river network increases, then gradually decreases later with higher altitudes.
    
61. 
    The Kur River basin area (86,000 sq. km), where majority districts are located, up to the junction with the Araz River is smaller than the Araz water basin (101,937 sq.km). The river is still called Kur on the junction because the water level of the Kur is twice as high as that of the Araz River.
    
62. 
    Akstafachay, Tovuzchay, Asrikchay, Zayam, Shamkirchay, Ganjachay and Kurekchay - flowing from the north-eastern slope of the Lesser Caucasus join the River Kura and form its right branches. It is mostly fed by rainfall (70%) and partly covered by snow and underground water.
    
63. 
    Tartar, Khachin, Hakari, Okchu and Gargarchay Rivers - flowing from the southeastern slopes of the Greater Caucasus are used for irrigation of the Mil and Garabagh plains. These rivers are fed mainly by groundwater as they form in the Garabagh volcanic plateau, which consists of explodedvolcanic rocks. The widespread of such rocks has led to the lack of river network in the area.
    
64. 
    The surface water units in the Project area - the river and canal network, lakes - are given in Fig. 2.5.
    

Figure 5. Physical and geographical zoning