Cross the desert, go against the stream into the Kunlun Mountains! The third scientific expedition
By WANG Jing
Abstract：In August 2022, the third scientific expedition organized by China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation to the Lop-Nur and its surrounding areas went deeply into the central Kunlun Mountains, focusing on the hydrochemical characteristics of surface water and groundwater in Aksu Kule Lake and Andil River basin, as well as their impacts on the surrounding vegetation communities. The research provided the basis for studying the impact of climate change on local ecological environment. The article records the process of the expedition team of going up the river to the central Kunlun Mountains and their observations along the way. It also explains the formation of local hydrology and geomorphology considering the geographical characteristics of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
Keywords: Kunlun Mountains, desert water station, climate, Niya River, Andil River, Aksukule Lake
WANG Jing. Cross the desert, go against the stream into the Kunlun Mountains! The third scientific expedition to Lop Nur and the surrounding areas. Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development. Volume 1, Issue 12. November 2022. ISSN2749-9065
Kunlun Mountain
Photo by: XIONG Yutong
Taklimakan Desert
Photo by:YU Shunli
A desert highway stretching into the distance
Photo by:LU Shanlong
The snow-capped Kunlun Mountains in the distance
Photo by:XIONG Yutong
Water stations along the desert highway
Photo by:LU Shanlong
Collecting data along the line Photography:LU Shanlong