Khotan River Formed by Confluence White Jade and Black Jade Rivers, China
37.1N 79.9EHere, the Khotan River can be seen flowing amongst the dunes of the Taklamakan Desert. It is formed by the confluence of the White Jade (Yurungkash) and Black Jade (Karakash) Rivers, which unite towards the middle of the desert and the center of this ASAR image.
The confluence occurs some 145 kilometres (90 mi) north of the town of Khotan. The Khotan River (also referred to as the Hotan River or Ho-t’ien River) then flows 290 kilometres (180 mi) northwards across the desert and empties itself into the Tarim River.