Aral Karakum Desert
Aral Karakum is a desert in Kazakhstan, situated northeast of the Aral Sea.
Most of the desert territory is located within the Aral and Kazaly districts of the Kyzylorda Region. A small sector is part of the southeastern end of the Aktobe Region and the southwestern fringes of the Karaganda Region.
Geography
The desert borders on the Syr Darya river to the south. The desert covers an area of.The landscape in the region is quite flat, with a height that varies from above mean sea level. The dunes can reach heights of around. The area is very dry, and the dried-out riverbeds usually only carry water during springtime, when the winter snow melts. Annual precipitation is around. Lake Zhaksykylysh is located in the western part.
Climate
Winter lasts from mid-November to mid-March, with varying cloud cover and frequent fog. Mean temperature during daytime is, and at night around. The lowest recorded temperature is. However, at any time during winter, mild weather is possible. Precipitation falls mostly in the winter as snow. Snow cover is usually around deep, but can reach.Summer lasts from May to mid-September. Daytime temperatures normally range, but temperatures up to have been recorded. At night, the temperature drops to. During summer, there are often dry winds and dust storms.