Why is irrigation important for farming in parts of the Kunlun Mountains?

Irrigation is essential for farming in parts of the Kunlun Mountains primarily because the region is characterized by an extremely arid climate. The mountains are largely isolated from oceanic monsoons, leaving them under the influence of a continental air mass that results in very low annual precipitation—in some areas, less than 2 inches (50 mm) in the foothills.12

Because of this extreme dryness, natural water sources are insufficient to support consistent crop growth. Farming relies on irrigation to sustain limited agriculture, particularly in the oases located on the northern rim of the mountain system. These irrigation systems are supplied by major rivers that are fed primarily by snow and glacial meltwater from the higher elevations. By providing a reliable water supply, irrigation allows for the cultivation of crops in an otherwise harsh, moisture-deficient environment where farming would otherwise be impossible.234