Water resources: groundwater maintains dune landscape.

Chen, Jian Sheng; Li, Ling; Wang, Ji Yang; Barry, D A; Sheng, Xue Fen; Gu, Wei Zu; Zhao, Xia; Chen, Liang · Nature · 2004

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

The Badain Jaran desert in western Inner Mongolia in China has a unique landscape that contains 72 lakes, with a total water surface area of 23 km2, and the world's highest stationary sand dunes, which are up to 500 m tall--despite the prevailing dry and windy weather conditions. Here we present evidence of a major groundwater system that underpins the factors leading to this landscape. Our finding could transform plans for the region's water resources.