SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL ANALYSIS OF THE DYNAMICS OF SURFACE WATER CHANGES IN MAKAT AND ZHYLYOI DISTRICTS

This study investigates long-term surface water dynamics in Makat and Zhylyoi districts (Western Kazakhstan) from 1994 to 2024 using multi-temporal Landsat imagery and NDWI, MNDWI, and WRI indices. The results reveal pronounced spatial and temporal variability, with maximum surface water extent in the late 1990s-early 2000s followed by progressive decline after 2010 and severe depletion in recent years. Western floodplain zones remained the most persistent water features, while inland basins experienced substantial contraction. The combined indices indicate increasing water stress driven by climatic variability and anthropogenic pressure, highlighting the need for continuous remote sensing-based monitoring and sustainable water resource management in semi-arid environments.

M. Amirkhanov, *Y. Zhakypbek, N. Mukhambetzhanova, Sun Hao