Streamflow Regime of Four Source Streams and Mainstream of Tarim River, Xinjiang, in 2000

The three tributary river systems that contribute flows to the Tarim River (Aksu, Hotan and Yarkant) join just above the Aler gauging station where the Tarim River begins. In addition the Kaidu-Konque River Basin, which is hydrologically separate from the Tarim River, contributes water to the Tarim River by means of a man-made transfer channel. In 2002, annual virgin flow of about 273.9×10~8m~3 from four mountains basins of Aksu, Hotan, Yarkant and Kaidu-Konque Rivers drain into the Tarim basin, more 46.9×10~8m~3 than average annual streamflow, increasing by 20.7% and more. The Aksu River and Konque-Kaidu Rivers from Tianshan Mountains have a large runoff rising comparing with average annual runoff, and keep normal runoff in Yarkant River from the Karakorum and Hotan River from the West Kunlun Mountains. The annual virgin flow of Aksu River in 2002 had 109.8×10~8m~3,more 28.4×10~8m~3 than average annual streamflow, increasing by 34.8%; and 57.10×10~8m~3 for Kaidu-Konque River,more 22.24×10~8m~3 than average annual streamflow, increasing by 63.8%; 61.92×10~8m~3 for Yarkant River,less 5.28×10~8m~3 than average annual streamflow, decreasing by 8.0 %; 45.03×10~8m~3 for Hotan River,same as average annual streamflow. Most of this water is consumptively used before reaching the confluence, total consumptive water of four source streams sum up 219.1×10~8m~3, occupy up 80% of annual virgin flow from mountains basin. The total annual runoff of 56.48×10~8m~3 drain into the mainstream of the Tarim River from the four source streams in 2002, occupy up 20% of annual virgin flow from mountains basin. The interzone consumed water of the Tarim River mainstream are estimated to be 25.42×10~8m~3 for the upper course, account for 46.2% of annual streamflow of Aler Station, the largest consumed interzone of the Tarim River mainstream; 24.55×10~8m~3 for the middle course, 44.6% of Aler ones and 7.38×10~8m~3 for the downstream course, 13.4 % of the Aler ones. The consumed water of both upper and middle streams course sum up 49.97×10~8m~3, account for 90.8 % of annual streamflow of Aler Hydrological Station.During July 20 to November 10, 2002, total 114 days, the fourth ecological emergency water diversion project was carried out in the lower reaches of Tarim River, transfer water from Bosten Lake to the Taitema Lake. Outflow 3.313×10~8m~3 drains into 300 km upstream of Taitema Lake, from Daxihaizi Reservoir, and a 28.74 km~2 water area appeared in Taitema Lake in 2002.