Central Asia mountain ecosystems

Abstract

The mountains of Central Asia are a unique source of fresh water. Runoff of the large rivers in the regions, such as the Ili, Shu, Talas, Syrdarya, Amudarya, Zeravshan, Atrek, Karatal, Aksu, Lepsa, etc., is formed in the high altitude mountains. A cascade of water reservoirs used for irrigation and power generation controls the runoff. Many small rivers start in the foothills as a result of underground runoff discharge. Their water is used to irrigate agricultural land in the piedmont valleys