Surface water system

The main river in study area is the Akesu River, which is gauged at Xidaqiao and Yimapaxia station. Around Xidaqiao station, there are two trunk canals named Duolang and Laodahe canal, which divert water for Duolang, Laodahe and Shajingzi Irrigation Area (Fig.2). The main function of Akesu River is to outpour water to the Tarimu River that is gauged at Yimapaxia station. The 750 km² Aiximan wetland, with the water surface area is about 149 km² and seasonally changing, is located between Laodahe and Shajingzi Irrigation Area.