A landcover change study of takyr surfaces in Turkmenistan

The shortage of fresh water in Turkmenistan may be partially alleviated by runoff water from takyrs. However, anthropogenic degradation of takyrs over the past few decades has reduced their efficacy as catchment areas. The main goal of this study was to map the spatial extent of takyrs and their change over time. Digital image processing of Landsat MSS and Landsat 7 ETM+ images were used to identify, map and classify the takyrs and estimate their overall area and degradation rates. Thereafter, a change detection procedure was applied. Results retrieved from Landsat MSS images of southern Turkmenistan (1972–1975) showed a total area of non-degraded takyr surfaces of ∼20,000 km2, whereas those from Landsat 7 ETM+ images (2002–2003) showed a total non-degraded takyr area of ∼16,000 km2. These include ∼8000 km2 which were degraded and ∼4000 km2 that were only detected by the ETM+ due to its improved spectral resolution. Accuracy was assessed by comparing the Landsat results with higher spatial resolution images of QuickBird. Additional ground points located with GPS measurements validated the classification results. We were thus able to assess the takyr areas degraded over the past decades, and find ∼16,000 km2 of non-degraded takyrs suitable for water harvesting.

► We created a takyr surfaces database using remote sensing (Landsat).
► We found ∼16,000 km2 of non-degraded takyrs suitable for water harvesting.
► Change detection (1972–1975 to 2003) revealed a takyr degradation of 8000 km2.
► The accuracy of our maps was assessed using QuickBird images and GPS validation.
► Turkmenistan’s water shortage can be alleviated by runoff water from takyrs.