(ECNS) -- Chinese geologists have discovered buried ancient river channels containing fresh, brackish and saline groundwater beneath the Taklimakan Desert in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, delineating two large groundwater sources, according to the Xinjiang Geological Bureau.

The Taklimakan Desert in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region(Photo/People’s Daily)

The discoveries were made near Andier Township in Minfeng County on the desert’s southern edge and south of the Mazartag Mountains in its interior.

The findings challenge the conventional view that groundwater beneath the desert is only stagnant or saline.

Researchers combined airborne transient electromagnetic surveys with satellite remote sensing, ground-based geophysical exploration, drilling and water testing to investigate hydrogeological conditions to a depth of 500 meters. 

The project aims to provide water resources for desert greening and development in southern Xinjiang.

(By Helen Mo, intern Yang Hongran)