Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 2-16
Large expanses of the T Taklimakan desert is made
up of sand dunes (
shamo
) and stony areas (
gebi
).
Photograph courtesy of B. A. Weightman.
The vegetation is xerophytic with grasses, shrubs, and
some trees. Plants have wide-spreading, surficial roots in
order to suck up any available moisture. Leaves only appear
after rain. The desert is inhabited by a variety of wildlife
such as the desert fox and the short-tailed, tufted-ear
caracal—a wild cat. These animals eat birds and rodents.
The Great Indian Desert is subject to severe soil ero-
sion from strong wind action. Shifting dunes bury roads
and rail lines. In order to achieve some measure of con-
trol over wind erosion, trees are being planted as wind-
breaks. Most of the trees, such as eucalypts and acacias,
are imported from other countries such as Israel, Chile,
and Australia. Overgrazing of sparse grasses, and low-
yield agriculture add to the problem. In fact, 33 percent
of crops fail because of wind, sand-blasting, and lack of
water.
STEPPE
In the plateau regions beyond the Tibetan Plateau, such
as China' s Nei Mongol (Inner Mongolia), there are vast
areas covered with short grasses (Figure 2-17). Referred
to as
steppes
these grasslands are the traditional home
of Mongol nomads who move their animal herds from
one pasture site to another in seasonal cycles. Steppes are
China' s most important grazing lands, but as increasing
numbers of ethnic Chinese are moving into the region,
they are being used increasingly for grain cultivation.
MID-LATITUDE FORESTS
Many parts of China, Japan, and Korea possess broadleaf,
deciduous forests
characteristic of middle-latitude
Figure 2-17
Here in Inner Mongolia, China, cattle graze on
short grass steppe. Note the temporary holding pen
in the background. Pens are often made of stones
that can be found on the steppe. After a few days
the cattle will be moved to a fresh grazing area.
Photograph courtesy of B. A. Weightman.
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