SPACEPHOTOS

Irrigated agricultural fields northwest of Lake Bostel (Bosten) and a small portion of the snowcapped Tien Shan north of the lake are visible in this photograph. Lake Bostel is fed by the Kaidu River, which originates in the high Tien Shan and enters the lake from the northwest through the maze of irrigated fields. The lake is drained by the Konqi River, which empties into the Tarim River after flowing southwest and then south. A variety of crops, including wheat and millet, is grown in this area. The small cities of Yanqi and Korla (barely visible in the photograph) are the major urban centers in the region through which passes the northern route of the famous Silk Road.