Temporal and spatial variations in the terrestrial water storage across Central Asia based on multiple satellite datasets and global hydrological models

• Declining water storage trends in the GRACE and GHMs were observed over Central Asia. TWSA can be well simulated predicted by climate variables. Potential strategies are provided to address SDGs of resource Arid regions Asia have sensitive ecosystems that rely heavily on terrestrial which is composed surface storage, soil moisture groundwater storage. Therefore, we employed three Gravity Recovery Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite datasets five global hydrological models (GHMs) explore (TWS) changes arid from 2003 2014. We significantly decreasing data, underestimated GHMs. After averaging datasets, found was at a rate ?4.74 mm/year. Contrary prevailing declining trends, northeastern Kazakhstan (KAZ), southern Xinjiang increased their same period. The data showed Turkmenistan (TKM), Uzbekistan (UZB) KAZ experienced most severe depletions, while Tajikistan (TJK) northwest China (NW) least significant depletions. With respect major river lake basins, Aral Sea Basin exhibited serious loss (-0.60 mm/month ?0.38 mm/month). positively correlates with precipitation; negatively correlates, three-month lag, temperature potential evapotranspiration (PET). Partial square regression (PLSR) had high capability simulating predicting TWS. These results provide scientific evidence guidance for local policy makers working toward sustainable management, resolution international disputes among Asian countries.