Ecological observations and research were carried out on the rivers of the Sheki and Qakh districts by the Sheki Regional Scientific Center of ANAS. The study covered the Shin, Kurmukchay, and Qachqachay rivers.

According to Qafqaz Aghabalayev, PhD in Geography and head of the department of Ecological Geography at Sheki Regional Scientific Center, the monitoring was conducted by the department employee Elvin Garayev in August 2026.

One of the study's primary objectives was to monitor temperature fluctuations in the river waters. Additionally, water temperatures were compared with atmospheric temperature readings, and natural factors potentially influencing the rivers' temperature regimes were examined.

During the observations, atmospheric temperatures and temperatures in the immediate vicinity of the riverbeds were recorded alongside the water temperatures. Measurements were taken daily for the Shin River throughout the month, while five sets of measurements were conducted for the Kurmukchay and Qachqachay rivers.

The research also examined the impact of air currents—specifically air masses moving along the river valleys—and rainy weather conditions on temperature readings. The study also focused on the potential relationship between temperature conditions and the turbidity and siltation observed in the water following floods and precipitation.

Based on the monitoring results, a preliminary database reflecting temperature readings for all three rivers has been established. Comparing the collected data with the results of future observations will enable a more comprehensive study of temperature fluctuations within the river ecosystems.