**Geography**:
– The Gobi Desert measures 1,600km from southwest to northeast and 800km from north to south.
– It extends from the Pamirs to the Greater Khingan Mountains and from Altay to Kunlun mountains.
– Some consider the western area a separate desert called Taklamakan.
– Includes areas of exposed bare rock.
**Climate**:
– The Gobi Desert is a cold desert with frost and occasional snow.
– Located 910–1,520m above sea level.
– Average rainfall of about 194mm annually.
– Temperatures range from -40°C in winter to 45°C in summer.
– Extreme temperature changes up to 35°C in 24 hours.
**Conservation, Ecology, and Economy**:
– Source of significant fossil finds including first dinosaur eggs.
– Sustains unique animal species like Gobi bears and snow leopards.
– Shrubs like gray sparrows saltwort and sagebrush are common.
– Nature reserves like Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park established.
– Vulnerable to trampling by livestock and off-road vehicles.
**Desertification**:
– Gobi Desert expanding through desertification.
– Rapid expansion on the southern edge into China.
– 3,600km of grassland overtaken every year.
– Dust storms increased in frequency between 1996 and 2016.
– Causing damage to China’s landscapes.
**History and Exploration**:
– Known for important fossil finds like dinosaur eggs.
– Nemegt Basin in the northwestern part noted for fossil treasures.
– Unique animal species like Gobi bears and snow leopards inhabit the region.
– Vegetation mainly consists of shrubs adapted to drought.
– Large copper deposits being mined by Rio Tinto Group.
