From 31 August to 4 September 2026, researchers from the Institute of Geography of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan carried out comprehensive field studies at the Pirgulu Biogeographical Station located in the Shamakhi section of Shahdag National Park to assess the ecological condition of the hydrographic network.
The research focused on identifying the spatial characteristics of rivers, lakes, springs, and other water sources, conducting a preliminary assessment of their hydroecological status, collecting water samples, and establishing a baseline database for long-term environmental monitoring. The expedition was led by Assoc. Prof. Ulviyya Mammadova, PhD, Leading Researcher of the Geomatics and Cartography Laboratory. The research team also included Zeynab Valiyeva, PhD, Senior Researcher, and Shabnam Mammadova, PhD, Leading Researcher.
The primary objective of the expedition was to evaluate the current ecological condition of the hydrographic network in the Shamakhi section of Shahdag National Park, document the spatial and hydroecological characteristics of water bodies, collect baseline monitoring data, and establish a scientific foundation for long-term assessment of potential environmental changes in aquatic ecosystems.
The study included the identification and inventory of hydrographic features, including rivers, lakes, springs, and artesian water sources. Sampling locations were selected considering the geographical distribution of water bodies, elevation, topography, landscape characteristics, and potential anthropogenic impacts.
During the field survey, the condition of water bodies was assessed through visual observations and instrumental measurements. Water samples were collected for laboratory analyses, while the geographic coordinates of each sampling point and georeferenced photographic records were documented.
To accurately determine observation points in mountainous and forested terrain, a GNSS/GPS tracking system was employed. Positioning data obtained from the GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou satellite navigation systems provided geographic coordinates, elevation, route information, speed, and other spatial parameters. These datasets will support the development of a digital hydrographic map, a geospatial database, and future monitoring activities.
Spatial analysis of the hydrographic network was performed using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) integrated with Sentinel satellite imagery and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data. This approach enabled a more comprehensive assessment of the spatial characteristics of water bodies, their interactions with surrounding landscapes, and potential temporal changes.
The research methodology was based on internationally recognized hydrological monitoring principles, including the WMO Guide to Hydrological Practices (WMO-No. 168), the World Hydrological Cycle Observing System (WHYCOS), and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) indicators 6.6.1 and 6.3.2. These methodological frameworks ensured that hydrological observations, water ecosystem assessments, and water quality evaluations were conducted according to international standards.
As part of the field campaign, water samples collected from various hydrographic objects in the Shamakhi section of Shahdag National Park were submitted to the Central Laboratory of the State Service for Water Use and Protection under the Azerbaijan State Water Resources Agency for physicochemical and biochemical analyses. The integration of laboratory results with field observations and geospatial data will provide a more objective assessment of the ecological condition of the water bodies and establish baseline indicators for long-term monitoring.
The integration of field observations, GNSS/GPS data, laboratory analyses, GIS-based spatial analyses, and Sentinel/SAR remote sensing data has created a comprehensive scientific and methodological framework for evaluating the hydroecological condition of the hydrographic network in the Shamakhi section of Shahdag National Park. The results will contribute to the conservation of water resources, early detection of ecological changes, and the development of a long-term hydroecological monitoring system for the protected area.
