How do Kunlun Mountain rivers support oasis farming along the northern rim?

The Kunlun Mountains support oasis farming along their northern rim by providing a vital, albeit seasonal, supply of fresh water to an otherwise arid region.12

Because the area experiences extremely scanty precipitation, these oases rely on small streams that drain the slopes of the peripheral ranges. These rivers are fed primarily by the melting of snow and glaciers at higher elevations. The flow is highly seasonal, with 60 to 80 percent of the water volume occurring during the summer months when intensive thawing coincides with peak precipitation.31

These streams flow from the mountains into the Tarim Basin, where they penetrate the desert sands for 60 to 120 miles (100 to 200 km) before gradually drying up. By diverting this meltwater through irrigation networks, local populations are able to sustain agriculture in scattered settlements. This irrigation-based farming allows for the production of various crops, including grains, cotton, and fruits such as watermelons and grapes, which are essential to the region's economy.432