As a result of intensive rainfall during the summer season, which caused rising water levels in the Kura and Araz rivers, monitoring and field observations were carried out in various riparian areas across the country. For this purpose, a team of researchers from the Institute of Geography of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan participated in an expedition to several locations within the Kura-Araz Lowland. The participants included Head of the Laboratory of Landscape Studies and Nature Management, Doctor of Earth Sciences, Associate Professor Mirnukh Ismayılov; Scientific Secretary of the Institute, PhD in Geography, Associate Professor Saida Zeynalova; Leading Researcher of the Laboratory of Landscape Studies and Nature Management, PhD in Geography, Associate Professor Irina Kuchinskaya; Senior Researcher of the same laboratory, PhD in Geography, Associate Professor Elina Karimova; and Researcher of the Laboratory of Geospatial Analytics and Cartography, Elvin Soltanov.

During the expedition, the researchers examined the hydrological conditions of the rivers, the impact of water on ecosystems, the current state of agricultural lands, changes occurring in agrolandscapes, and the condition of Tugay forests. Field observations revealed that in several areas-including Javad and Sugovushan villages of Sabirabad District, Polad Tugay village of Salyan District, and Delıler and New Novruzlu villages of Saatlı District-the rise in river water levels had increased soil moisture in low-lying areas. In some locations, water had approached agricultural fields and, in certain cases, entered cultivated lands.

The researchers also conducted preliminary assessments of soil cover, vegetation cover, and meliorative conditions in the riparian zones of the Kura and Araz rivers, and collected relevant samples. The observations indicated that although recent precipitation increased soil moisture levels in the aforementioned areas, no large-scale destructive flooding events were recorded.

Within the framework of the expedition, the current condition of the Tugay forests was also investigated. Signs of anthropogenic impact, tree dieback, and natural regeneration processes were observed in the riparian forest areas. It was emphasized that Tugay forests play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of the region and therefore require special attention and protection.

During the field visit, meetings were held with local residents and agricultural stakeholders to discuss the impact of recent rainfall on agricultural activities. It was reported that the recent rains had negatively affected cotton farming and vegetable-growing enterprises. Furthermore, changes in the rivers’ hydrological regime highlight the necessity of continuous monitoring, particularly in irrigated areas.

The materials collected during the expedition will undergo scientific analysis, and a comprehensive report will be prepared and published in the near future.