Lop Nur

former salt lake in Bayingolin Prefecture, Xinjiang, China

Lop Nur (Chinese: 罗布泊; pinyin: Luóbùpō) is a largely dried-up salt lake located in the eastern portion of the Tarim Basin in southeastern Xinjiang, China, between the Taklamakan Desert and Kumtag Desert. The lake historically supported a thriving civilization along the Silk Road, but it has mostly dried up due to damming and diversion of rivers. Today, the area is known for its nuclear testing sites and potash mining.

Lop Nur
罗布淖尔
Satellite image of the Lop Nur Basin
Location of Lop Nur within Xinjiang
Location of Lop Nur within Xinjiang
Lop Nur
LocationXinjiang, China
Coordinates40°10′N 90°35′E / 40.167°N 90.583°E / 40.167; 90.583
TypeSalt lake
Native name罗布泊  (Chinese)
Primary inflowsTarim River, Shule River
Primary outflowsNone (endorheic basin)
Basin countriesChina
Max. length100 km
Max. width30 km
Surface area3100 km² (historical)
Average depthDry (historically: max 5 m)

Geography

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Lop Nur is located in a basin that historically formed part of the larger Tarim Lake system, fed by the meltwater from the Tianshan, Kunlun, and western Qilian Mountains. The lake's size varied over time but was measured to cover around 3,100 km² in 1928. However, construction of reservoirs upstream drastically reduced water inflow, resulting in its current dried state, with only small seasonal lakes or salt marshes forming occasionally.

History

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Lop Nur has a rich historical significance, being a part of the ancient Silk Road. From around 1800 BC until the 9th century, it supported the Tocharian-speaking culture. The ancient kingdom of Loulan, which became a Chinese client state in 55 BC, was located along its shores. Loulan was later renamed Shanshan, and the area became a vital point on the trade route that connected China with Central Asia.[1]

Archaeological discoveries, including the Tarim mummies and buried settlements, have been made along the ancient shores of the lake. Notable explorers like Sven Hedin and Aurel Stein studied the area in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, mapping its shifting landscapes.[2]

Modern Use

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In modern times, Lop Nur became a site for Chinese nuclear testing, starting in the 1950s. The surrounding region is now also a site for extensive potash mining since the discovery of resources in the mid-1990s. Some areas around the lake are restricted military zones, and archaeological sites are under cultural protection.[3]

Cultural References

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The desolation and isolation of Lop Nur have made it a subject of intrigue for many, including explorers, historians, and writers. The lake's disappearance and history have been the subject of numerous books and studies, as well as a focal point in discussions about environmental changes in China's deserts.

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References

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  1. "Lop Nur, Xinjiang, China". earthobservatory.nasa.gov. 2011-06-19. Retrieved 2024-09-14.
  2. http://english.gov.cn/2010-03/04/content_1547778.htm
  3. "Desert Intrudes upon Tarim Lake". www.china.org.cn. Retrieved 2024-09-14.

Other websites

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