From May 12 to 24, 2026, specialists from the Institute of Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology conducted hydrogeological field studies in the Republic of Karakalpakstan. These studies were part of priority research projects aimed at rational management of groundwater resources and assessing the geoecological state of the Aral Sea region.

✅ As part of the project "Assessing Groundwater Distribution Patterns in Understudied Territories of the Republic and the Degree of Sustainability of Uzbekistan's Water Needs from Groundwater Resources until 2050," field studies were conducted in collaboration with specialists from the Aral Sea Field Hydrogeological Expedition in understudied areas of the Kungrad and Muynak districts of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, as well as on the dry bed of the Aral Sea. During the studies, water samples were collected from boreholes to assess the hydrogeochemical properties of groundwater. In addition, special sites for geophysical surveys were identified in areas of ancient riverbeds.

✅ As part of the project "Assessing the Potential of Hydromineral Resources in the Aral Sea Region and Developing Recommendations for Their Effective Use," the current state of underground mineral and thermal waters located within the health and wellness facilities of the Tortkul, Akmangit, Kegeyli, Karauzyak, Takhtakupyr, Khodjeyli, Ellikkala, Beruni, and Muynak districts of the Republic of Karakalpakstan was studied. During the study, samples were collected to determine the chemical composition of the mineral and thermal waters, assess their balneological potential, and justify the prospects for their rational use. Mud and clay samples were also collected from the region and the dry bed of the Aral Sea for laboratory determination of the mineral bischofite.

As part of the project "Assessment of the Current State of Groundwater in the Southern Aral Sea Region and its Rational Use in the Future," field observations and studies were conducted to study exogenous geological processes, soil salinization processes, the formation of salt-dust transport centers in the Southern Aral Sea artesian basin and the dry bed of the Aral Sea, and their environmental impacts. The results of these studies are crucial for a scientifically sound assessment of the hydrogeological and geoecological state of the Aral Sea region, the efficient use of groundwater resources, and the development of practical recommendations for ensuring the geoecological sustainability of the region.