Even though the Rainfall Record was Broken, the Water Level Did Not Rise: Here’s Why!

While Türkiye was experiencing one of the driest periods in recent years, this winter was a very rainy period throughout the country. Thus, thanks to the rain and snow falling in many regions, the water level in lakes and dams increased and underground water reserves increased. For this reason, it was stated that a serious drought is not expected to occur throughout the country in the summer. However, although the highest rainfall of the last 23 years was recorded in Van, there was no significant increase in the water level of Lake Van.

In their statement on the subject, experts stated that the water withdrawal in Lake Van has spread over many years and that the lake has a very wide ecosystem. For this reason, it was stated that the water level in the lake could rise again with a few years of rainfall. Lake Van is the largest soda lake in the world and the largest lake in Turkey, and hosts many living creatures thanks to its wide ecosystem. After the water level in the lake receded due to the drought in previous years, historical ruins and microbialites under the lake were unearthed.

Although Van had a very rainy winter season this year, as it did throughout the country, the expected water level increase did not occur. Experts who made a statement on the subject stated that the rainfall this year was more than previous years, but this did not cause a significant increase in Lake Van. DROUGHT WARNING FROM EXPERTS Experts included the following statements in their statements: “The retreat in Lake Van took place over a long period of time, and Lake Van is a very large ecosystem.

We are talking about an ecosystem one-third the size of the Sea of Marmara. Therefore, the re-rising of the lake may be possible with a few years of rainfall. Since it is the largest lake in Turkey, the lake water level cannot be expected to rise with rainfall in just one year.” Experts also stated that if significant steps are not taken against the drought experienced around the world, the danger of drought will increase in the coming years and Turkey may face a greater risk of drought, especially in the summer months.