Why does most river flow in the Kunlun Mountains occur during summer?

Most river flow in the Kunlun Mountains occurs during the summer months because the rivers are primarily fed by the melting of snow and glaciers.1

Between 60 and 80 percent of the annual river flow takes place during this season, driven by two main factors:

• Intensive Thawing: Rising temperatures during the summer lead to the rapid melting of snow and ice stored in the mountains.1
• Maximum Precipitation: This period of peak meltwater production coincides with the time of year when the region receives its maximum precipitation.1

While these rivers do receive some rainwater, their reliance on glacial and snowmelt makes their discharge volume highly sensitive to seasonal temperature changes.1