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EAST ASIA.
which the present lakes scattered over the basin are the remains. By a remarkable
parallelism this long lacustrine valley runs in the same direction as the chain
of lakes in the southern plateau of Khachi, from the Dangra-yum to the Tengri-nor.
In this depression two rivers also take their rise, and, like the Satlaj and
Fig.
8. THE MANSARAUR BASIN.
Scale 1 : 720,000.
15 Miles.
flow in opposite directions the Indus on the one hand, and on the other the
mysterious stream which probably forms the upper course of the Salwen.
The least-inclined section of the South Tibetan depression is that which is
traversed by the Satlaj. Its first terrace is occupied by Lake Kong-kio, which has
no outlet, and which, like nearly all closed basins, has become salt. Round about
are scattered some other saline tarns; but the Mansaraur and Rakus-tal, the two
great basins of the valley, are fresh-water lakes connected together by a permanent