Irtysh-Karaganda Canal

Abstract

This file contains a digital map of the Irtysh-Karaganda Canal (Kazakhstan) in Google Earth KMZ format that was produced as part of The IBT Water Project at Auburn University. The Irtysh-Karaganda Canal is officially known as the Kanysh Satpayev Canal since Kazakhstan declared independence in 1991. It was designed to transport water up-slope from the Irtysh River to the industrial center of Karagandy. The canal follows the path of the Karagandy River most of the way. A series of reservoirs were constructed along the route for water storage, which is used for irrigation, domestic supply, and industrial activities. The system is reported to include 22 pumping stations, 17 bridges, and 11 hydroelectric plants. However, only 2 hydroelectric plants were identified in this project with the other 9 thought to be associated with pumping stations along the route. Unclear at this point to what extent the canal is still operating due to various social, economic, and environmental challenges (Alagh et al. 2006). Metadata embedded in the KMZ file include author contact, Creative Commons License information, and list of references. See the project website (URL shortcut: aub.ie/ibtwater) for information about methods, data sources, additional digital IBT maps, Google Earth tips, and a glossary of key terms.