Historical Review on Water Level Changes in Lake Kinneret (Israel) and Incomparable Perspectives

A long-term (1933-2022) record of water level (WL) fluctuations in Lake Kinneret was reviewed. The dependence of the Kinneret WL management on climate change (flood-dryness alternate), dam and National Water Carrier (NWC) constructions constrained by water availability and domestic supply demands were indicated. A short-term range of maximal WL decline of 4-6 m and 4.6-6.5% of the total surface area of lake water shrinkage in Lake Kinneret was documented. Nevertheless, incomparably longer periods and higher amplitudes of WL decline accompanied by a dramatic shrinking of the water surface were documented in Lake Tchad, the Aral Sea and Lake Sivan (SAT). Therefore, the comparative results of WL decline in Lake Kinneret and in other lakes as SAT are not justified.

Automated summary

This article reviews the long-term (1933-2022) record of water level fluctuations in Lake Kinneret and indicates the dependence of its water level management on climate change, dam and National Water Carrier constructions, as well as water availability and domestic supply demands. Short-term maximal decline in water level of 4-6 m and shrinkage of 4.6-6.5% of the lake's total surface area were documented. However, compared to other lakes like Lake Tchad, the Aral Sea, and Lake Sivan, Lake Kinneret's decline in water level is not as significant.