How do the Altun Mountains relate to the Tarim Basin and Qaidam Basin?

The Altun Mountains are a distinct range that branches off from the Kunlun Mountains and serves as a critical geographical boundary in northwestern China.12

The range runs from southwest to northeast, effectively separating the Tarim Basin to its north from the Qaidam Basin and the basin of Lake Ayakekumu to its south. While the Altun Mountains form the northern boundary of the Qaidam Basin, the main range of the Kunlun Mountains further to the east serves as the basin's southern margin.12

It is important to note that the Altun Mountains are distinct from the Altai Mountains, which are a separate system located further north.3