Logistics of water supply to the Karakum Desert
Importance Desertification is one of the topical recognized problems. The article discusses the geoinformational specifics of water supply and provides calculations of capital investment for comparing the logistics options of water delivery to the Karakum Desert by water haulers. Objectives The aim is to identify capital and specific investments for fresh water delivery to the Karakum Desert and distillate production using greenhouse solar distillers, to determine required dimensions of artificial sites for atmospheric precipitation collection and the volume of water storage tanks for distillate product. Methods Using mathematical methods and feasibility analysis, I analyze the various aspects of investment activity in the desert area, and determine the most energy-efficient water supply systems. Results The paper analyzes the feasibility and economic efficiency of methods for water in the desert zone. It shows the performance of irrigation, water delivery by water haulers, collection of atmospheric precipitation, their cost for livestock production and desert lands development. Conclusions The proposed method enables to choose an economically sound way of water supply for a particular area.