Preliminary decoding of the rebirth of Lop Nur

By LU Shanlong

Abstract: Protecting and restoring the ecological environment of lakes in degraded arid regions is an urgent and global concern. The question is “under the background of climate warming and humidification in recent decades, can Lop Nur, a lake that has been ‘dead’ due to drought, regain its vigor and ripple and sparkle?”. This latest scientific paper published by Scientific Reports, a Nature portfolio journal argues that if the regional climate trends, the intensity of ecological water supply and groundwater pumping are not reversed, the Lop Nur underground water level will be resumed wholly or partly. This study shows an encouraging case for the protection and restoration of degraded lakes in dryland regions around the world.

Key words: Lop Nur, arid area, degraded lake, ecological restoration

LU Shanlong. Preliminary decoding of the rebirth of Lop Nur. Scientific study from Lop Nur and its surrounding areas published by Scientific Reports, a Nature portfolio journal. Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development. Volume 1, Issue 13. December 2022. ISSN2749- 9065

Photo source: Nature

Digital terrain and surface water system of the Tarim River Basin and geographical location of Lop Nur