Hey there! 🌟 Did you know that a team of super scientists just finished a 16-day adventure in the Taklimakan Desert? It’s the biggest desert in the Chinese mainland and the second-largest shifting sand desert in the world! That’s huge! 🐪
So, what’s the big deal? Well, the Taklimakan Desert has tons of moving sand and wild sandstorms that can be super dangerous for people and the environment. To help protect the area, scientists are working on an “edge-locking” project. Imagine putting a big fence around a sandbox to keep the sand from spilling out—that’s kind of what they’re doing, but with cool science! 🧪
The research team traveled along the entire 3,046-kilometer edge of the desert (that’s like going across some countries!) 🚗. They collected data to build forests and grass belts that help stop the sand from moving. They also looked at neat technologies like using special plants, engineering tricks, and even solar panels to control the sand! How cool is that? ☀️
One of the scientists, Zhang Huifang, said they studied all these different methods to see what works best. They want to make sure their efforts really help and are good for both people and nature. 🌳
They also checked out places where they use flood irrigation (that’s watering large areas) and are figuring out the best ways to use grass grids—like placing patches of grass in just the right spots to keep the sand in place. 🌾
The best part? With the planting of rose seedlings in the last gap of the “edge-locking” project in Yutian County, there’s now a green protective belt all around the desert’s edge! 🌹 This helps keep the desert from spreading and makes the environment better for everyone.
Isn’t it amazing how science and teamwork can help protect our planet? Maybe one day, you’ll be part of an exciting project like this! 🚀
Reference(s):
16-day expedition on Taklimakan Desert 'edge-locking' project ends
cgtn.com
