The researchers studied how precipitation changes with altitude in Xinjiang Region over the past 50 years. They divided the region into six subzones based on altitude and found that precipitation either increases linearly or follows a quadratic pattern with altitude. The maximum precipitation occurs either at the mountaintop or mountainside, depending on the pattern. The altitude of maximum precipitation varies by season and drought severity, with higher altitudes having more precipitation in drier climates. The six subzones also differ in terms of maximum precipitation altitude and amount, with Subzone 1 having the highest altitude and most precipitation, and Subzone 6 having the lowest altitude and least precipitation.