In which direction is the Gobi desert located from the Sahara desert?

The Location of Two Major Deserts

Deserts are vast areas of land that receive very little rainfall and have extreme temperatures. The Sahara and Gobi deserts are two of the largest deserts in the world, covering a huge area in Africa and Asia. It is important to understand the location of these deserts to better understand their climate, landscape, and importance to the ecosystem.

Basic Facts about the Sahara Desert

The Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world, covering an area of approximately 3.6 million square miles. It is located in Northern Africa, spanning across 11 countries including Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Chad, Niger, Mali, Mauritania, Sudan, and Western Sahara. The Sahara Desert is characterized by its vast sand dunes, rocky terrain, and occasional oasis. With temperatures reaching up to 131°F (55°C) during the day and dropping to freezing temperatures at night, the Sahara is a harsh environment for both humans and wildlife.

Basic Facts about the Gobi Desert

The Gobi Desert is the fifth-largest desert in the world, spanning over 500,000 square miles in northern and northwestern China and southern Mongolia. The Gobi Desert is characterized by its rocky and sandy terrain, with temperatures ranging from -40°F (-40°C) in the winter to 122°F (50°C) in the summer. The Gobi is home to a variety of animal and plant species, including the Bactrian camel, snow leopard, and saxaul tree.

Geographical Comparison of the Sahara and Gobi Deserts

Although the Sahara and Gobi deserts are located in different continents, they share some similarities such as their extreme temperatures and sparse vegetation. However, the Sahara has a larger area of sand dunes compared to the Gobi, which is mostly rocky terrain. The Gobi also has a higher altitude than the Sahara, with its highest point reaching 8,000 feet (2,438 meters) above sea level.

The Location of the Sahara Desert

The Sahara Desert is located in Northern Africa, spanning across 11 countries including Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Chad, Niger, Mali, Mauritania, Sudan, and Western Sahara. The Sahara is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Red Sea to the east, the Mediterranean Sea to the north, and the Sahel region to the south.

The Location of the Gobi Desert

The Gobi Desert is located in northern and northwestern China and southern Mongolia. Its borders are defined by the Altai Mountains to the north, the Gobi Altai Mountains to the west, and the Hexi Corridor and Tibetan Plateau to the southwest. The Gobi is also bounded by the Yellow River to the east and the Great Wall of China to the south.

The Distance between the Sahara and Gobi Deserts

The Sahara and Gobi deserts are located thousands of miles apart, separated by the entire continent of Asia. The distance between the two deserts is approximately 4,000 miles (6,500 kilometers).

Comparison of Climate and Landscape

Both the Sahara and Gobi deserts have extreme temperatures and sparse vegetation, but their climates and landscapes differ in many ways. The Sahara is characterized by its vast sand dunes and rocky terrain, while the Gobi is mostly rocky terrain with some sand dunes. The Sahara is a hot desert with temperatures reaching up to 131°F (55°C) during the day, while the Gobi is a cold desert with temperatures ranging from -40°F (-40°C) in the winter to 122°F (50°C) in the summer.

Importance of the Sahara and Gobi Deserts

Despite their harsh environments, the Sahara and Gobi deserts are important to the ecosystem. They are home to a variety of plant and animal species that have adapted to survive in extreme conditions. The Sahara also has important mineral deposits such as phosphate, iron, and zinc, while the Gobi is rich in copper, coal, and gold.

Role of Deserts on the Ecosystem

Deserts play an important role in the ecosystem by regulating the earth’s climate and water cycle. They also provide habitats for unique plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. Deserts also have cultural and historical significance, with many indigenous peoples having lived in these regions for centuries.

Conclusion: Understanding the Location of Deserts

The Sahara and Gobi deserts are located in different continents, but share many similarities in terms of their extreme temperatures and sparse vegetation. Understanding the location and characteristics of these deserts is important for understanding their role in the ecosystem and their significance to human society.