Aibi Lake, in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, is one of the four sandstorm sources in China. In recent years, ecological conditions in the lake have deteriorated. Recently, experts in various disciplines in Xinjiang University teamed up and set up an observation and scientific research base near the lake. These experts want to use their knowledge to improve the ecological environment near the lake.
Aibi Lake is situated in a lowland in Junggar Basin. It lies on the leeward side of the Alashan mountain pass. Over the past 50 years, the lake has been seldom protected and as a result, the lake area has shrunk dramatically. During the 1950s, the lake had a total area of 12 million square meters. But now, it has shrunk to 5.4 million square meters. Large areas of salt marshes are exposed outside, becoming the source of sandstorms. Related information shows that every year, some 4.8 million tons of sand are blown from the salt marshes in Aibi Lake. The sandstorms have brought damaging effects to northern Xinjiang and even further to the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River. Recently, experts from departments of remote sensing, ecology and botanical studies in Xinjiang University kicked off a comprehensive research on the ecological conditions in Aibi Lake. They investigated the swamp natural zone in Ulandabusen, the Bo'ertala estuary, and sacsaoul woods state natural protection zone in Ganjiahu.The expert team and the government of the Bo'ertala Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, where Aibi Lake lies, have agreed to work together and set up an observation base near the lake. The observation base will also serve as a scientific research base for teachers and students of Xinjiang University. In future, university professors will try to use their knowledge to improve the ecological conditions near the lake.
Source: Chinanews Editor:HuangFeng
