In the image above it is clear how the lake has been disappearing, losing over 90% of its water. 1989 (left) and 2014 (right). The aral sea, located between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan is practically gone now, due to contamination and pollution. This has also caused hotter summers and colder winters.
Source: Anton Ruiter
The lake has now become a dessert.
Source: Mr Hicks46
A USSR proyect for diverting water to the crops of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in 1960, made the lake water start to decrease.