Physical Characteristics of the Gobi Desert

Size: ~1.3 million km² (500,000 sq mi) — one of Earth's largest deserts.
Location: Southern Mongolia & northwestern China; bounded by Altai, Kunlun, Tibetan Plateau, Taklamakan.
Elevation: 900–1,500+ m (2,950–4,900+ ft).
Climate: Extreme continental: summer up to 40°C (104°F), winter below -30°C (-22°F); strong winds, sandstorms.
Landscape: Sand dunes, rocky outcrops, gravel plains, mountain ranges; Flaming Cliffs (red sandstone).
Vegetation: Sparse; saxaul trees, desert grasses, shrubs adapted to aridity.
Wildlife: Gazelles, wild Bactrian camels, wolves, foxes, birds, reptiles; rich dinosaur fossil record.

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