Successful Biological Methods for Combating Desertification at Degraded Areas of China - Combating Desertification in Asia, Africa and the Middle East - page 64

Main Wind Direction

500m 10m 10m 200m

Sand-Fixing belt Sand-Fixing belt

Gravel Even
Ground

Fig. 3.10 Structure of a comprehensive protection system developed in the Shapotou section of
Baotou-Lanzhou railway line

Main Wind Direction

55m 50m 60m 35m 25m 55m

80m

200m

280m

Fig. 3.11 Structure of sandbreaking forest in the Junkeng-Erdaogou section of the Lanzhou-
Xinjiang railway

and checking the advance of sand dunes. Above-mentioned measures are adopted
extensively in this section of the railway so as to guarantee the smooth operation of
railwayinthedesert.

6.2 Control of the Hazard of Sand-Driving Wind from Gobi

Along Railway Lines

For railway lines running through arid zone and Gobi where sand-driving wind
constitutes a serious menace, “sand-stocking” is taken as main protective measure.
The Yumen section of Lanzhou-Xinjiang Railway is in such a case. In order to
play the sand-stocking function of shelter forest belt, a multi-belt forest and an
opening belt is the best choice. At wind gaps where sand drift is strong, 2-3 rows of
sand barriers should be placed in front of the shelterbelt to block the sand drifting
(Fig. 3.11 ).