Gobi

The Gobi Desert is a vast desert region in northern China and southern Mongolia. It covers about 1.3 million square kilometers, making it one of the largest deserts in Asia. The core stretches across southern Mongolia and northern China, with extensions into Inner Mongolia, Gansu, and Xinjiang. The desert comprises diverse landscapes, from gravel plains and rocky outcrops to dune fields.

Climate and environment: It is predominantly arid to semi-arid, with precipitation typically less than 200 mm annually and large diurnal and seasonal temperature changes. Winters are cold, summers can be very hot. Rainfall is scarce, and the region experiences strong winds and dust events.

Ecology: Vegetation is sparse, with grasses, shrubs, and hardy perennials. The Gobi supports wildlife such as the Bactrian camel, Mongolian gazelle, and the rare Gobi bear. The northern edge and higher elevations provide habitat for snow leopards and other adapted species.

Human use and history: The Gobi has long been part of nomadic livelihoods and served as a corridor on the northern Silk Road. In modern times, it is a site of significant mineral extraction, including coal, copper, and oil, particularly in Inner Mongolia and adjacent Chinese regions, as well as parts of southern Mongolia.

Conservation and paleontology: The region hosts protected areas and paleontological sites yielding dinosaur fossils. Research focuses on desertification, climate change, and water resource management amid developing industries.