Dynamics of runoff, river sediments and climate change in the upper reaches of the Tarim River, China

Data from the Chinese River Sediment Bulletin, Tarim River Water Resources Bulletin and Aral Hydrological Station were used to analyze the characteristics and relationship between runoff, sediment and climate at the Aral Hydrological Station over the past 50 years, in order to understand the development trends and interpretation the influence on sediment under the climate changes. Temporal analysis showed that both water and sediment at the Aral Hydrological Station have decreased in the past 50 years, although these trends were not significant. The monthly distribution analysis showed that sediment load was more concentrated and more unstable compared to runoff during the flood season. The correlation analysis showed that annual sediment load is more related to annual maximum peak discharge followed by precipitation. This study considered the impact factors of the mainstream sediment changes, and can serve as a foundation for subsequent research, such as analysis of sediment sources and relationship with climate change.