The Effects of the Ili River Runoff and Water Regulation Function of the Delta on the Changing Water Level of Balkhash Lake Depending on the Delta Forest Coverage

Abstract

The article describes the Ili River hydrological regime, provides an insight into multiyear and intra-annual changes in the discharge in the Ili delta head, given natural water flow versus water flow regulation. It shows the spatial distribution and re-distribution of runoff between delta watercourses and estimates the degree of delta submergence during floods. The article considers the findings in the studies of the water regulation function of the delta depending on forest coverage and offer projections related to further possible hydrological and morphological changes in the Ili delta.