The nature of fluctuating lakes in the southern Amu-dar'ya delta

The delta region of the Amu-dar'ya has a complex history of shifting river channels that has impacted extensively on the Aral Sea and on the areas of the delta that saw human settlement from prehistoric times onwards. This paper explores evidence drawn from archeological, historical and environmental data relating to lakes that formed in the south of the delta on the east bank of the river and their impact on settlement patterns in this area, in particular the potential impact of variable flooding on the major fortified site of Akchakhan-kala. Testing of the area around the sites showed that the site had not been flooded but was founded on riverine or lacustrine clays. Shortly after the initial abandonment of the site, the immediate environment was covered by dune fields