Taklamakan Desert

• Location: Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China.
• Region: Located in the Tarim Basin of Central Asia.
• Nature: One of the largest sandy deserts in the world.
• Climate: Continental climate with a very arid, cold-desert environment.
• Surrounding Mountains:
  • Kunlun Mountains — South
  • Tian Shan Mountains — North
  • Pamir Mountains — West
• River: The Tarim River runs along the northern and eastern boundaries of the desert.
• Native Oases: Oases near the desert helped sustain settlements and trade routes.
• Silk Road: The historic Silk Road had routes that passed around the northern and southern edges of the Taklamakan rather than through its vast sandy interior.
• Meaning/Association: The name is generally associated with the concept of “place from which there is no return.”
• Important for Prelims:
  • Country: China
  • Region: Xinjiang
  • Basin: Tarim Basin
  • Desert Type: Sandy/cold desert
  • Local Mountain Systems: Tian Shan, Kunlun and Pamir

Prelims Question

Q. Which of the following statements are correct about the Taklamakan Desert?

1. It is situated in the Tarim Basin.

2. It is located in China’s Xinjiang region.

3. The Kunlun Mountains rise to its south.

4. This sandy desert is found in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert.

Identify the correct statements given above:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 1 and 4 only

(c) 2, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

o The Taklamakan Desert is located in the Tarim Basin of Xinjiang, China, with the Kunlun Mountains to its south.

o It is different from the Gobi Desert, which lies much farther to the northeast