Optimization of Groundwater Exploitation in an Irrigation Area in the Arid Upper Peacock River, NW China: Implications for Sustainable Agriculture and Ecology

Groundwater is the main irrigation water source in the Upper Peacock River. As fast enlargement of irrigation areas continues in recent years, the groundwater level declines continuously and has posed a threat to the sustainability of local agriculture and ecology. A numerical model was established with the code MODFLOW–2000 in order to predict the declining trend of groundwater level and formulate measures to counter the overexploitation, in which the river–aquifer interaction was elaborated and characterized by field survey. The results show that under current intensity of groundwater withdrawal, the levels of both unconfined and confined waters would decline continuously in 7 years from 2015. To stop the groundwater level from declining on the regional scale, the withdrawal rate should be compressed by 45% with respect to that in 2015. Moreover, taking consideration of the constraint of maintaining the ecological water level in the vicinity of the Euphrates Poplar forest in the study area, the withdrawal rate should be compressed 70% for seven towns around the forest.

A Study of Uyghur Folk Carpet Pattern

Uyghur carpet is the traditional Uyghur handicraft, it is the fusion of spinning, dyeing, knitting and painting with both practical and artistic value. Its origination dates back to more than 2000 years ago and it has been evolving gradually ever since along with the economic development. In recent years, carpet samples with thousands of years history have been discovered in the ruins of ancient tomb in Niya, Shanpula, Yuli, Zhagunluke, Talimu and Peacock River. Scholarships are amazed at the carpets’ unique patterns, delicate quality and fine colors. These carpets are weaved with patterns of human figure, animal and god bird. These patterns are surrounded by designs of beautiful flower and scenery. Some patterns contain auspicious words. The weaving technique, pattern designs and color scheme not only reflect how ancient Uyghur people think about the world, their appreciation of beauty and value of life, but also demonstrate their nature to pursue, and create aesthetic value and their enjoyment of beauty.