The Taklamakan Desert is known as the "Sea of Death" and the "Source of Life". It is the second largest desert in the world and the most beautiful desert in China. It is located in the center of the Tarim Basin in Xinjiang and covers an area of 3370,000 square kilometers, accounting for 55% of the total desert area of the country. It is one of the driest, hottest, coldest, and most water-scarce regions in the world, and is known as China's "dry pole".
However, at the end of November 2021, it snowed heavily!According to the data of the ** Meteorological Observatory, on November 28, the precipitation in the Kashgar region in the western part of the Tarim Basin and the desert hinterland of Yuli County in the south of Urumqi exceeded the average by 400%, and there was a rare snowfall weather. The rolling yellow sand dunes are covered in snow and transformed into a "sea of snow" in the blink of an eye. Clouds and mist linger in the sky above, and deserts, poplars, and lakes appear and disappear from time to time, forming a dreamlike picture. These snow scenes have sparked heated discussions on the Internet, with many netizens sighing "It's so beautiful", "I want to see it", "Is this real?".”
So, why does it snow in the Taklamakan Desert?Is this the result of a warming climate?We spoke to Mr. Zhang, an expert from the Xinjiang Climate Center, who explained this. Teacher Zhang said that the main reasons for snow in the Taklamakan Desert are as follows:
The effects of strong cold air. Teacher Zhang said that in late November, China was affected by the Siberian cold wave, and a strong cold air entered from the northwest, causing the temperature in most parts of Xinjiang to plummet, with a cooling range of more than 10, and even more than 20 in some areas. This strong cold air carries a portion of the water vapour and meets the water vapour in the Tarim Basin, forming clouds and precipitation. Since the temperature is below freezing, precipitation comes in the form of snow.
The role of terrain. Mr. Zhang said that the Tarim Basin is an inland basin surrounded by high mountains, with an average altitude of about 1,000 meters and a maximum of more than 5,000 meters. This topography has an important influence on the movement of air currents. When strong cold air enters the basin, it will be blocked by the mountains, forming a kind of "pot lid" effect, which makes the air pressure in the basin rise, the temperature drops, and the water vapor condenses, forming clouds and precipitation. At the same time, high mountains can also create a "rain shadow" effect, resulting in differences in precipitation between the eastern and western parts of the basin. In general, the western part of the country receives more precipitation than the eastern part because the western part is close to the Kashgar region, where there is more water vapor, while the eastern part is close to Lop Nur, where there is less water vapor.
Impacts of climate change. Although snow is not uncommon in the Taklamakan Desert, in recent years, the frequency and intensity of winter snowfall in the desert fringe have increased, which is partly related to global warming, Mr. Zhang said. Warming has led to an acceleration of the global water cycle, increased water vapour and precipitation, as well as increased cold air activity and cooling, all of which are conducive to snowfall in desert areas. According to statistics, from 1961 to the present, the average winter snowfall in the Tarim Basin has increased from 45 mm increased to 57 mm, an increase of 267%。
Teacher Zhang said that snow in the Taklamakan Desert is a natural phenomenon and a beautiful landscape, but it has also brought some impacts to the local ecological environment and people's lives. He advises tourists to keep warm when going to the desert to watch the snow to prevent colds and frostbiteAt the same time, it is necessary to pay attention to the protection of the ecology of the desert, not to destroy and pollute at will, and not to leave garbage and traces;In addition, it is necessary to pay attention to the forecasts and warnings of the meteorological department to avoid encountering bad weather and ensure safety.