Sandstürme im Tarim-Becken: Ursachen und sozio-ökonomische FolgenManfred Domrös und and Buhalqem Mamtimin

ASIEN – Nr. 85 (2002) pp. 5–18

Sandstorms are a typical, yet hazardous phenomenon in the Tarim Basin that is basically caused by certain meteorological frame conditions, but its disastrous socio‐economic impact is strongly affected by man. Frequency and intensity of sandstorms and their associated negative human and societal impact have increased in the recent past making the Tarim Basin a more vulnerable region claiming, at the same time, for a more sustainable landuse to providing a safer livelihood environment to the growing population. The Tarim Basin is suffering from a growing extent of desertification claiming for a more sustainable water use and protecting the scarce water resources available. It is shown that under favourable irrigation conditions, agriculture plays a significant role, despite a growing risk of harmful sandstorms.