Journal de génie civil et environnemental

Human Alterations to the Water and Carbon Cycles in the Lake Yangzong Basin since the Yuan Dynasty

Abstract

Kishmaat Khairta*

The Lake Yangzong basin, located in Yunnan Province, China, has a rich history dating back to ancient times. This area, part of the larger Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, is known for its unique geographical features and ecological significance. This essay explores these impacts over centuries, highlighting significant historical, agricultural, industrial, and urban developments that have shaped the current environmental landscape. During the Yuan Dynasty, the Mongol rulers established a highly centralized administrative system that fostered agricultural expansion and infrastructure development. This era marked the beginning of significant human intervention in the Lake Yangzong basin. The Mongols implemented large-scale irrigation projects to boost agricultural productivity. These projects included the construction of canals and reservoirs, which altered the natural flow of water within the basin.