Significant changes and driving mechanism of Bosten Lake in Xinjiang, China

ABSTRACT Freshwater lakes around the world are increasingly threatened by climate change and human activities, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, where they serve as critical ecological and economic resources. As China's largest inland freshwater lake, Bosten Lake has undergone dramatic changes over the past two decades, reflecting the dual pressures of climate variability and anthropogenic influences. This study investigates the long-term changes in Bosten Lake's water level, area, and volume from 2002 to 2022 using satellite remote sensing and meteorological data. The results indicate fluctuations with an overall declining trend, with lake level dropping from 1047.093 to 1046.996 m, area decreasing from 1077.190 to 995.800 km2, and water volume reducing by 2.715 km3. Key drivers of these changes include evaporation, variations in precipitation, and ecological water transfer policies. This research not only provides crucial insights into the ecological management of the Bosten Lake basin but also offers valuable reference points for water resource management in similar regions globally.