Chinese researchers unveil new insights into the Taklimakan Desert's formation

A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers from universities in China has shed light on the formation and evolution of the Taklimakan Desert, the nation’s largest desert, through the analysis of first-hand geological data. This is reported by Xinhua News Agency, a partner of TV BRICS.

The research indicates that the contemporary landscape of the central Taklimakan Desert began to take shape approximately 300,000 years ago. This finding was derived from an in-depth analysis of a 200-meter drill core extracted from the heart of the desert.

The Taklimakan Desert, recognised as the world's second-largest shifting desert, presents unique geological features that are crucial for climate and tectonic studies. Since 2008, the research team has engaged in an extensive program to drill core samples from various deserts, including the Taklimakan, to gather direct in-situ evidence of China's major deserts' evolutionary history. The drilling effort in the Taklimakan Desert reached a remarkable depth of 1,340 meters.

Initial findings suggest that the Taklimakan Desert’s formation dates back at least 1.8 million years, although the exact age of this early phase remains to be clarified.

This research enhances the scientific community's ability to predict and prepare for changes in desert ecosystems, which are increasingly important in the context of climate change and environmental sustainability.

Photo: Xinhua  News Agency/Li An