5 Facts about Mongolian Gobi

Encompassing nearly 1.3 million square kilometers of land, the Gobi Desert stands as Asia's largest desert and the fifth largest globally, spanning across both China and Mongolia. Its name, derived from Mongolian, simply translates to "Waterless Place," while in Chinese, it's occasionally referred to as "Han-hal," meaning the Dry Sea. The desert gained worldwide attention in the 1920s when an expedition by the American Museum of Natural History unearthed the world's first confirmed dinosaur eggs. In this article, we'll explore lesser-known facts about this remarkable natural wonder.

1. IT IS NOT ALL SANDY

Most of the Gobi Desert's ground surface is not sandy but consists of bare rock formations, gravel plains, and rugged terrain. As a rain shadow desert, it owes its existence to the Himalayan Mountains, which act as a barrier, blocking the moisture-laden monsoon winds from the Indian Ocean from reaching the area. This lack of moisture contributes to its arid conditions. Only about 5% of the desert is covered by sand dunes, mainly in certain areas like the Khongoryn Els and Moltsog Els. The rest of the landscape is characterized by sedimentary rocks or dry grasslands, adapted to the harsh desert environment. Despite its aridity, the Gobi supports a surprising variety of plant and animal life, specially adapted to survive in these challenging conditions.

2. IT IS HOT AND COLD

During the winter months, the Gobi Desert experiences extreme cold, with temperatures dropping as low as −40°C, while in the summer, temperatures can soar to as high as 45°C. Despite its reputation for aridity, winter brings snowfall significant enough to sustain both its livestock and wild animals. It's not uncommon to see sand dunes blanketed with snow during the winter, creating a striking contrast that makes the Gobi Desert unique. In fact, it's the only desert in the world where such conflicting scenery of snow-covered dunes can be found, adding to its allure and mystique.

3. Fertile Land

Challenging the typical desert image we often envision, the Gobi Desert surprises with diverse landscapes including mountains, grasslands, rivers, small lakes, and notably, oases, which are critical to its wildlife and plant life. Since the 1960s, some oases have been utilized for cultivation, primarily growing fruits such as mini apple, peach, and watermelon.

4. WEALTHIEST PART OF MONGOLIA

In the past decade, the focus on the Gobi Desert has shifted from its dinosaur fossils to its abundant natural resources. Rich in copper, gold, and coal, the desert has become a hotspot for mining activities. Here's more about the significant mining developments in the Gobi Desert: Natural Resource Wealth: The Gobi Desert is endowed with valuable natural resources, including copper, gold, and coal, which have attracted considerable attention for their economic potential. Major Mining Deposits: Massive mining operations have been established in the Gobi Desert, such as Oyu Tolgoi, considered the world’s third-largest copper and gold mine, and Tavan Tolgoi, one of the world's top 10 largest untapped coking coal deposits. Oyu Tolgoi Mine: Oyu Tolgoi mine has been in operation since the late 2000s and is a significant contributor to Mongolia's economy. It is estimated that bringing the Oyu Tolgoi mine into production required an investment of US$4.6 billion, marking it as the largest financial project in the country’s history. Economic Impact: The mining sector, particularly Oyu Tolgoi mine, plays a crucial role in Mongolia's economy, accounting for more than 30% of the country's GDP. The mineral wealth in the Gobi Desert is vast, with estimates suggesting 41 billion pounds of copper and 21 million ounces of gold. The Gobi Desert's mineral wealth has transformed it into a key player in the global mining industry, significantly impacting Mongolia's economy and attracting attention from around the world.

5. 33 MINI DESERTS

The Gobi Desert is not a singular entity but a collection of 33 separate deserts, each with its own unique landscapes and characteristics. Among them, the largest is known as “The Galbiin Gobi,” spanning an area of 70,000 square kilometers. This desert area is renowned for its Mars-like red soil and the reddish hue of its camels, making it distinctive and captivating. Here's more about "The Galbiin Gobi": Unique Landscape: "The Galbiin Gobi" stands out for its striking red soil, resembling the surface of Mars in appearance. The vivid coloration adds to the desert's allure and uniqueness. Reddish Camels: Locals know "The Galbiin Gobi" for its population of camels with reddish coats, perfectly blending with the desert's red soil. These camels are well-adapted to the harsh desert environment. Sailing Stone: An intriguing phenomenon in "The Galbiin Gobi" is the presence of a sailing stone. This stone mysteriously moves and leaves tracks along a smooth valley floor without any apparent human or animal intervention, puzzling scientists and visitors alike. "The Galbiin Gobi" offers a glimpse into the diverse and enigmatic landscapes found within the vast expanse of the Gobi Desert, with its unique features captivating the imagination of all who venture there.