SALT WATER INTRUSIONS INTO THE DON RIVER DELTA: DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS AND CONSEQUENCES

The consequences of climate change, which are currently observed in the region as a whole and in the Don estuary area in particular, determine a complex of negative effects. The interconnected rise in the level of the Sea of Azov and the Taganrog Bay, an increase in the height and frequency of surges, a decrease in the solid and liquid runoff of the Don, salinization of the Taganrog Bay, an increase in the contribution of marine factors to the development of the Don delta lead to the intensification of salt water intrusions into the Don delta. Under such conditions, the inflow of saline water into the water intakes of the cities of Azov and Taganrog may occur more often in the future. This has already become a tangible problem for the inhabitants of the Azov region in September 2014, December 2015 and February 2021. The article provides data on the characteristics of intrusions, such as the duration of penetration and the type of mixing. The inflow of salt water into the Don delta is usually short-lived and is mainly associated with surges. The intense wind action during the surge largely explains the prevalence of the first type of vertical mixing, characterized by weak stratification. The results of calculating the penetration range of saline waters are presented. It is noted that the changed natural conditions have led to the fact that at present there is an increase in the penetration range of saline waters by 2–3 times compared to the second half of the last century. An assessment of the consequences of salinization for water supply and the quality of incoming water was made. Recommendations for overcoming the negative consequences of the inflow of saline waters into the Don delta are given.

Don River delta, Sea of Azov, sea water intrusion, surge