Top 6 dry rivers on Earth seen from space

Dry images of rivers in the world seen from space

People often say 'Stuck in the river without oars' to describe a difficult situation with no way out. But actually, if that river is in the Northern Hemisphere this summer, oars won't help."

A devastating lack of rain and endless heat waves are draining rivers in the US, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Many rivers are being narrowed in both length and width. Patches of riverbeds jutting out of the water became the 'new normal'. There are even dry rivers that are bottomless.

The human-caused climate crisis is 'fueling' extreme weather globally, which affects not only rivers but also the people who depend on them.

Most people on the planet depend to some extent on rivers, whether for drinking water, irrigation, energy or transporting goods.

CNN news agency released images from space of 6 of such rivers.

Colorado River

The Colorado River is drying up amid a historic drought in the western United States that shows no signs of abating. This river is maintained by two of the largest reservoirs in the United States and to protect the river basin, the US government has implemented a mandatory water cut program and asked the states to come up with action plans. additional.

One of those reservoirs, Lake Mead, is shrinking in size as the water level drops to a "dead lake" state.

A 'dead lake' means the reservoir will not have enough water to discharge downstream through a dam.

Lake Mead's water levels have been on a downward trend since 2000, but are falling more sharply since 2020.

The Colorado River in 2000 (top) and 2022 (bottom).

The lake's water level has dropped so low that in the past year there have been terrifying discoveries, including human remains in a barrel - believed to be the victim of a domestic abuse incident decades ago.

The Colorado River water crisis poses a great risk to about 40 million people in seven states in the United States and Mexico, who depend on the river's water for living, agricultural production and electricity production.

Changjiang River

The Yangtze River (China) is drying up and the river bed is rising in some areas. Many tributaries of the world's longest river are severely dry. China had to issue a nationwide drought warning for the first time in nine years and the longest heat wave in six decades.

Truong Giang River in 2021 (top) and 2022 (bottom).

The impact of the Yangtze River's decrease in water level is very worrying. In Sichuan, a province of 84 million people, hydropower accounts for about 80 percent of electricity capacity. Much of it comes from the Yangtze River, and as its flow slows, power output has steadily declined, prompting the local government to order the closure of all factories for six days.

According to the Chinese news agency Xinhua, Sichuan is seeing half as much rain as usual and some reservoirs have completely dried up.

Rhine River

The Rhine originates in the Swiss Alps, flows through Germany and the Netherlands, and then empties into the North Sea. This was once an important channel for European shipping, but now, this waterway is becoming a nightmare.

Many sections of the riverbed have protruded above the water, meaning that ships trying to cross the river will have to overcome a series of obstacles, causing travel time to stall.

Rhine in 2021 (top) and 2022 (bottom).

The Rhine has different water levels throughout its length. At Kaub, just west of Frankfurt, Germany, the water level has dropped as low as 32 centimeters.

For shipping companies, water levels below 40 centimeters on the Rhine are considered too low, and in Kaub, water levels below 75 centimeters mean container ships have to shed about 30 percent, according to economists. by Deutsche Bank.

Low water levels make transportation more expensive, and that costs are borne by the consumer.

River Po

The Po River flows through Northern Italy and flows eastward, emptying into the Adriatic Sea. It is "fed" from snow in the winter in the Alps and heavy rainfall in the spring. Usually, it is the severe flooding that is the most prominent problem of this river.

Now, however, the Po River looks very different. Winters in northern Italy are dry, so snow is the main source of water, and spring and summer are dry, leaving the region in the worst drought in seven decades. The river is so dry that a World War II-era bomb was recently found.

Po River in 2021 (above) and 2022 (below).

Another worrisome problem is that millions of people rely on the Po River for their livelihood, mainly farmers.

About 30% of Italy's food is produced along the Po River, and some of the country's most famous exports, such as Parmesan cheese, are also produced here.

River Loire

The Loire River in France keeps a valley alive with vineyards that produce some of the world's most famous wines.

The river stretches for nearly 1,000 kilometers and is considered France's last wild river, supporting biodiverse ecosystems throughout the valley, much of which is supported by the Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. United Nations (UNESCO) protection.

Many sections of the river are quite shallow, but the water level and its flow can change rapidly with the weather, especially when the snow upstream melts. However, some sections are so dry that people can walk across.

Loire River in 2021 (top) and 2022 (bottom).

Satellite images from the French town of Saumur show that the land in the valley is mostly brown and arid while a year ago a lush green enveloped the area.

Authorities are working to release water from the dam into the river, mainly to ensure there is enough water to cool the four nuclear power plants along the river.

Danube River

The Danube is the longest river in Western Europe and an important shipping channel passing through 10 countries. In Romania, Serbia and Bulgaria, workers are dredging rivers just to make sure boats can still move.

The Danube hasn't been in as bad of a condition as some of Europe's other rivers, but countries like Hungary, whose tourism relies on the Danube, have clearly felt the negative effects of falling water levels. .

Danube in 2021 (top) and 2022 (bottom).

Some cruise ships are unable to pass through river sections or even reach Hungary. According to the Hungarian Tourism Board, an average ship of 1,600 tons can currently only pass through the river basin in Hungary without cargo.