The Kumul Depression, also known as the Hami Depression, (), is a basin in eastern Xinjiang, China. It is located in the south of the
Kumul Prefecture, on the south slope of the
Tian Shan
The Tian Shan, also known as the Tengri Tagh or Tengir-Too, meaning the "Mountains of God/Heaven", is a large system of mountain ranges in Central Asia. The highest peak is Jengish Chokusu at high and located in Kyrgyzstan. Its lowest point is ...
, with an area of . Its lowest point has an elevation of .
The climate of the area is considered to be
arid
Aridity is the condition of geographical regions which make up approximately 43% of total global available land area, characterized by low annual precipitation, increased temperatures, and limited water availability.Perez-Aguilar, L. Y., Plata ...
, with large seasonal differences in temperature. The city of Kumul, also known as Hami, lies within the basin and is known for producing the
Hami melon
''Hami melon'' is an umbrella term for sweet melon varieties from Xinjiang, China, especially from Hami. This fruit is also referred to as the Chinese Hami melon or the snow melon. The outer color is generally white through pink or yellow thro ...
, grapes, and other fruit produce. The basin has extensive
oil resources
Oil and gas reserves denote ''discovered'' quantities of crude oil and natural gas from known fields that can be profitably produced/recovered from an approved development. Oil and gas reserves tied to approved operational plans filed on the da ...
.
Landforms of Xinjiang
Depressions (geology)
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