Consider the following statements1. The desert is a rain shadow deser...
The Gobi Desert in Mongolia and China is in a rain shadow due to the towering Himalaya mountain range. The Atacama Desert in Chile is in a rain shadow created by both the Andes Mountains and weather patterns over the Pacific Ocean.
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Consider the following statements1. The desert is a rain shadow deser...
The correct answer is option 'B' - Gobi Desert.
Explanation:
The Gobi Desert is a large desert region that extends over 500,000 square miles across northern and northwestern China and southern Mongolia. Here are some key points about the Gobi Desert:
- Formation: The Gobi Desert is a rain shadow desert, which means it is formed by the Tibetan plateau blocking precipitation from the Indian monsoon. The plateau forces the air to rise and cool, causing it to release its moisture before it reaches the Gobi Desert.
- Climate: The Gobi Desert is a cold desert, with average temperatures ranging from -40 degrees Celsius (-40 degrees Fahrenheit) in winter to 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) in summer. The desert receives very little rainfall, with an average of 7.6 inches per year.
- Geography: The Gobi Desert is bordered by the Altai Mountains to the north and the Tibetan Plateau to the southwest. It is divided into two regions: the Western Gobi and the Eastern Gobi. The Western Gobi is more mountainous and receives slightly more precipitation, while the Eastern Gobi is flatter and drier.
- Wildlife: Despite its harsh conditions, the Gobi Desert is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including Bactrian camels, snow leopards, and the endangered Gobi bear.
- Human impact: The Gobi Desert has been inhabited by humans for thousands of years, with evidence of ancient settlements and trade routes. Today, the desert is used for mining, agriculture, and tourism, which has led to environmental concerns such as desertification and habitat loss for wildlife.
In conclusion, the Gobi Desert is a cold, dry desert formed by the Tibetan plateau, and it extends across northern China and southern Mongolia.