Seeing is worse than hearing. There is a "treasure bowl" in Xinjiang? !

If you don't go to Xinjiang, you won't know how big China's territory is. If you don't visit Xinjiang, you won't know how beautiful the world is. Go to Xinjiang to check in, and you will see magnificent and quiet scenery everywhere. Everyone who comes to Xinjiang can't help but sigh: Xinjiang is such a beautiful place! Xinjiang is divided into two parts by the Tianshan Mountains. The north of the Tianshan Mountains is the northern Xinjiang, and the south is the southern Xinjiang. The northern Xinjiang has vast forests, grasslands, and lakes, and has nurtured many fairy-tale villages; the southern Xinjiang is surrounded by golden deserts, mysterious and exotic ancient countries, rich mineral deposits, and towering snow-capped mountains, like a picture of "smoke in the desert, sunset on the long river", forming a vast and magnificent beautiful picture. Mountains and basins in Xinjiang are arranged alternately, and the basins are surrounded by high mountains, forming a special topography of "three mountains and two basins".

The "three mountains" refer to the Altai Mountains, the Kunlun Mountains and the Tianshan Mountains; the "two basins" refer to the Tarim Basin and the Junggar Basin. Among them, the Kunlun Mountains are located in the northern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It was formed under the compression environment caused by the continuous collision between the Indian continent and the Eurasian plate. Kunlun Mountain (also known as Kunlun Xu, Kunlun Qiu or Yushan) has a prominent position as the "ancestor of all mountains" in the cultural history of our Chinese nation. It is the location of the Taoist Hunyuan School (Kunlun School) in the late Ming Dynasty. In addition, the Kunlun Mountains have a rare high-altitude volcanic group, with more than 70 volcanoes.

Location map of Ashikule Basin (from the Internet)

Did you know? Deep in the Kunlun Mountains, there is a mountain tectonic basin that is rarely visited and full of mystery. It is the Ashikul Basin. In Mongolian, "Kule" means "lake". The Ashikul Basin is located about 120 kilometers south of Tian County, with an altitude of 4.6-5.0 kilometers. Ashikul (lake), Urukkul (lake) and Shagsikul (lake) are distributed in the basin. Among them, Ashikul and Urukkul are the third volcanic lava barrier lakes discovered in China after Wudalianchi and Jingpo Lake in Heilongjiang. In summer, the lake water here is rippling, the lake surface, blue sky and white clouds complement each other, and the basin is surrounded by strange peaks, which is picturesque; in winter, the lake surface is frozen, accompanied by blue sky, white snow and peaks. Wherever you look, it is the Xinjiang version of "Frozen", without a trace of desolate atmosphere.

The location map of Uruk volcano in the Ashikul Basin (left, from GF-2 and GF-6 earth observation images) and the location map of Ash volcano (right, from GF-2 and GF-6 earth observation images)

Uruk volcano in summer (left picture, sourced from the Internet) and Uruk volcano in winter (right picture, sourced from the Internet)

In this uninhabited secret basin, there are more than ten main volcanoes such as Ashishan, Urukshan, Daheishan and dozens of sub-volcanoes, forming the world-famous Ashikule volcano group, which is also one of the highest active volcano groups in the world. The volcano group is located at the intersection of the Altyn fault zone, the East Kunlun fault zone and the Kangxiwar fault zone, making it one of the most active areas of modern volcanic and seismic activity in China.

Most of the volcanoes in the basin were formed during the Quaternary period, with central eruptions and conical or truncated conical volcanic cones as the main features. The volcanic landforms mainly include lava hills and lava terraces. Uruk Kule is the largest volcanic barrier lake in the basin, with a maximum width of 7.26 kilometers. The lake water is clear and blue, like a huge pearl. Therefore, the Ashikul Basin is like the "treasure bowl" of the Kunlun Mountains, combining active volcanoes, plateau Kule (lake), faults, desert Gobi, etc., to form this unparalleled magnificence and mystery. Seeing is believing. If you plan to go there, every step you take will be full of surprises!

Ash volcano (Asia's No. 1 volcano) has a complete truncated cone with a funnel-shaped crater in the center. The volcanic rocks are mainly trachyandesite and pumice; Uruk-Kul volcano (also known as Asia's No. 2 volcano) is 4,820 meters above sea level. It has a complete truncated cone top, mainly black lava, with a small amount of purple pumice on the top of the cone. The last eruption was about 200,000 years ago; Daheishan volcano is the highest and largest volcano in the basin, with an altitude of about 5,090 meters. The gentle lava on both sides stretches in an "eight" shape. The crater has a "V"-shaped opening that cuts the mountain. The volcanic rock types are mainly black dense and porous lava. It erupted 500,000-600,000 years ago.

Compared with the handsome Fuego Volcano in Guatemala, the Ashkule Volcano Group has a strong and magnificent beauty that can make people feel relaxed and happy. Compared with the alkaline volcanic rocks in the Tianchi Volcanic Area of ​​Changbai Mountain in Jilin Province, my country, the volcanic rocks of the Ashkule Volcano Group are mainly sub-alkaline volcanic rocks (data from the Institute of Volcanology of the China Earthquake Administration, the Jilin Provincial Earthquake Administration and the Institute of Geology of the China Earthquake Administration). In short, the Ashkule Basin has a magnificent volcanic natural landscape, making it a magnificent resort full of mystery and vitality.

The Keliya Ancient Road near the Ashikule Volcano Group and Ashikule Basin is not only a historical link between Xinjiang and Tibet, but also a top-level and extremely difficult off-road crossing route or check-in spot in China. Please be reminded that if you drive to Xinjiang's uninhabited areas, safety is the primary consideration. Here are some safety precautions for plateau travel, please check!

Uruk volcano and Uruk Kule under a clear sky (left, source: Internet) and the eruption of Fuego volcano in Guatemala (right, original image)

The tectonic location map of the Ashikule volcanic group (left, from the Internet) and the volcanic rocks of the Ashikule volcanic group (right, from the Internet)

1. Report in advance

Any outdoor adventure must be conducted within the framework of laws and regulations. When individuals or teams cross the uninhabited areas of Xinjiang, they need to report their itinerary to the relevant departments and obtain approval before entering. On the one hand, this is to protect the living environment of wild animals in uninhabited areas. On the other hand, it is also a life-saving insurance for self-driving explorers or teams (because someone knows when you have entered and will probably come out). Do not illegally enter wildlife reserves.

2. Driving route and driving safety

When traveling by car in Xinjiang Plateau, you must select a vehicle suitable for driving on the plateau in advance. The particularity of the plateau environment places specific requirements on the performance and adaptability of the vehicle. Before departure, individuals or teams must plan the driving route in advance and be familiar with the road conditions or driving routes and climate profiles along the way. It is recommended to carry spare tires and other necessary vehicle accessories and repair tools in case of emergency. When traveling by car on the plateau, you must develop a good habit of frequently checking the vehicle you are driving.

Driving conditions in the Ashikule Basin (Photo from the Internet)

3. Safety emergency preparedness

Before traveling, be sure to prepare cold-proof and warm clothing, altitude sickness medicines, plateau portable oxygen cylinders, first aid kits, etc. The sunlight radiation in the plateau area is strong, so prepare sunglasses, sun hats, sunscreen, lipstick and other sun protection items. Carry high-calorie foods such as chocolate, biscuits, and candies with you to replenish energy, and prepare enough drinking water. Remember not to go to the plateau area with an illness. When self-driving in uninhabited areas, be sure to travel with a team or professionals with rich plateau travel experience, avoid acting alone, and keep communications open. Ensuring smooth communications in uninhabited areas is one of the most important preparations for outdoor crossing adventures. Satellite phones are often a must-have communication tool for self-driving tours in uninhabited areas in Xinjiang. If you feel unwell, you should adjust your itinerary appropriately to avoid safety accidents.

4. Food safety

In plateau areas, the diet should be easy to digest and nutritious. Eat more vegetables and fruits, avoid overeating, and ensure safe drinking water. If conditions permit, eat more foods rich in vitamins, such as apples, grapes, bananas, oranges, etc. These foods can not only provide the body with the necessary nutrients, but also relieve altitude sickness to a certain extent.

Introduction to some major grape varieties in Xinjiang (Photo from the Internet)

5. Outdoor earthquake safety emergency

Xinjiang is one of the provinces in China with the strongest and most frequent earthquake activity. In 2014, 2012, and 2008, earthquakes of magnitude 7.3, 6.2, and 7.3 occurred near the Ashikule Basin. If you encounter an earthquake in the wild, you should avoid the foot of the mountain and cliffs to prevent rolling stones and landslides; if you encounter a landslide, you should run to both sides away from the direction of the rolling stones. If you encounter an earthquake at the sea (lake), or when the sea (lake) water advances and retreats rapidly, you should quickly move away from the sea (lake) shore and be alert to tsunamis caused by earthquakes. When driving in the event of an earthquake, the driver should quickly avoid overpasses, steep cliffs, electric poles, narrow streets, etc., and choose an open place to park as soon as possible. Passengers should not jump out of the car and should evacuate in an orderly manner after the earthquake (data source: Ministry of Emergency Management, Xinhuanet, Science Popularization China, and People's Daily).

In short, self-driving tours in Xinjiang's uninhabited areas require adequate preparation and planning, and compliance with local laws and regulations to ensure personal and vehicle safety. Safety always comes first!

This issue of science popularization ends! Friends, see you next time!

References in this issue:

[1] Liu Jiaqi. Distribution and K-Ar age of modern volcanoes in the West Kunlun Mountains[J]. Bulletin of Mineralogy, Petrology and Geochemistry, 1990, 1: 19-21.

[2] Guo ZF, Wilson, M., Zhang, L., et al. The role of subduction channel mélanges and convergent subduction systems in the petrogenesis of post-collisional K-rich mafic magmatism in NW Tibet[J]. Lithos, 2014, 198-199: 184-201.

[3] Sara. S. Magma evolution and processes of the Ashi Volcano, NW Tibet, China: Sr isotope studies of plagioclase crystals[J]. United States: Auburn University. Doctoral thesis. 2018.

[4] LI Shuanke. Geomorphology and Quaternary environmental issues in the Ashikule Basin, Central Kunlun Mountains[J]. Acta Geographica Sinica, 1991, 58(2): 224-232.

[5] Yuan Zhaode, Liu Jing, Li Xue, et al. Detailed mapping of the surface rupture zone and its rupture characteristics of the 2014 Yutian Ms7.3 earthquake in Xinjiang[J]. Science China: Earth Sciences, 2021, 51(2): 23.

[6] Peng Xiangrong, Li Zhongdong, Wang Tienan. Ashikule volcanic group: the most recent active volcano in China[J]. Chinese National Geographic, 2017, 5: 18.

[7] PAN Bo, CHENG Tao, WAN Yuan, et al. Lava flow hazard zoning based on thermorheological kinematic model - hazard zoning of Ashikule volcanic area in Xinjiang [J]. Seismology and Geology, 2017, 39(4): 14.

[8] Li, MM, Xu, ZT, Ventura, G., et al. Geochronology and petrogenesis of Early Pleistocene dikes in the Changbai Mountain volcanic field (NE China) based on geochemistry and Sr-Nd-Pb-Hf isotopic compositions[J]. Frontiers in Earth Science, 2021, 729905.

[9] PAN Jiawei. Study on tectonic geomorphology of West Kunlun and active tectonic in Ashikule area[D]. Beijing: Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, PhD dissertation, 2011.

[10] China Earthquake Administration "Altun Active Fault Zone" Research Group. Altun Active Fault Zone: A Special Issue on the Study of Active Faults in China[M]. Beijing: Earthquake Press, 1992.

Authors of this issue: Sun Liying, Ye Xiqing, Sveva R.M.

Planning: Xu Zhitao Mimmo·P Ailin·P

Editor: Sun Liying, Gu Guohui, Wang Zijin

Review: Pan Xiaodong, Kang Jianhong, Cao Li, Wen Hongtao, Pang Jingyuan, Chen Junjie, Zheng Guodong, Lu Yan, Hongyi Jian, Xu Yueren, Jiang Hui, Chen Bo, Li Zhongwei, Liu Guoming, Li Na, Liu Hongyu, Sang Chengliang, Wang Yun, Huang Xiaolei, Zhang Jinghui, Kong Qingjun

Publicity: Li Mengmeng, Pang He, Wu Chengzhi, Wei Meixuan, Wang Jialei, Zhong Guangpei, Xu Dan, Song Yujia, Guan Sheng, Yu Yue, Yang Kun, Fu Shu, Zhang Rui, Zhang Renpeng, Xu Wei, Zhu Daqing

Produced by: Institute of Volcanology, China Earthquake Administration; Jilin Province Earthquake Administration; Etna Observatory, Catania, Italy; Institute of Environmental Geology and Geoengineering, National Research Council, Rome, Italy; School of Earth Sciences, Jilin University; National Commission on Space Activities of Argentina; National Scientific and Technological Research Council of Argentina; Naples Volcano Observatory, Italy; Xinjiang Earthquake Administration; Institute of Earthquake Prediction, China Earthquake Administration

Disclaimer: All pictures and texts in this article are for public benefit and do not have any commercial value.