CHANGES IN THE VEGETATION OF THE DRIED ARAL SEA BED

The article investigates the distribution, species, and projective cover levels of vegetation that emerged in the sand dunes formed in place of the Aral Sea due to its desiccation. The changes in vegetation over the years, from 1981 to 2024, have been studied. According to the results, the projective cover level of vegetation on the dried Aral Sea bed has undergone significant changes. Specifically, from 1981 to 2024, the projective cover level increased by 31 %, reaching 55 %. Currently, dominant plant species such as Haloxylon ammodendron (C.A. Mey.) Bunge ex Fenzl, Halostachys caspica (M. Bieb.) C.A. Mey., Halocnemum strobilaceum (Pall.) M.Bieb., Haloxylon persicum Bunge, and Caroxylon nitrarium (Pall.) Akhani & Roalson are widespread. In the study area, factors such as increased soil salinity, changes in groundwater levels, low precipitation, and rising temperatures have had the most significant impact on the distribution and changes in vegetation. In the early years of the Aral Sea desiccation, approximately 10 plant species grew, with a projective cover level of 24 %. Over the course of 10 years, the number of species increased by 1–2 species. After 20 years, the number of species decreased to 7, but after another 20 years, the number of species increased again, reaching 11 species. The projective cover level increased from 24 % in 1981 to 55 % by 2024, showing a 31 % increase.