Changes in the River Flow of Western Georgia in the Context of Global Climate Warming

Abstract

An analysis of long-term stationary observation data revealed that, by decade, the annual discharge of rivers in western Georgia exhibited only minor fluctuations up to 1980. Over the following two decades (1981–2000), discharge increased, particularly in glacier-fed rivers. Looking ahead, changes in air temperature and atmospheric precipitation are expected to cause a decline in river discharge, primarily due to glacier retreat. Along the coastal zone, increased evaporation will condense into torrential rains, heightening the risk of hazardous events. Further east, rising temperatures and decreasing precipitation will reduce river discharge. These findings should be taken into account in the design of various facilities, as well as in planning measures for conserving and replenishing water resources. In the coastal zone, preventive actions must be developed to mitigate the negative impacts of hazardous events.