Geoscience Value

1. The ideal location for research on evolution of Yardang landform

The Yardang Geoarea in the Geopark showcases a diverse range of yardangs spread across a wide area. Ridge-shaped, wall-shaped, tower-shaped, column-shaped, and monadnock-shaped yardangs can be found, collectively illustrating the entire development process of the Yardang landform. Yardangs possess stunning beauty and are abundant in number. Their distinct directional changes make them truly unique worldwide. In the northern part of the Yardang Geoarea, yardangs exhibit a nearly north-south orientation, while in the southern part, yardangs align almost east-west. This indicates that the yardangs in different directions are created by different geomorphologic agents. This understanding is significant for studying the genesis of yardang landform and conducting comparative analyses of regional environments. Within the geoarea, yardangs can be found in a scattered distribution. The density of their occurrence is exceptionally rare among similar types of geomorphology worldwide, which makes them a representative example of yardang landforms not just in China but also globally. Their formation originated from unconsolidated fluvial and lacustrine sediments from the Quaternary period and resulted from tectonic uplift as well as the combined action of wind, running water, gravity, and other forces. The Yardang landform within the Geopark not only possesses high aesthetic value but also serves as an ideal location for studying their formation, development, and evolution. These yardangs are essential in understanding landforms, paleogeographic and paleoclimatic environmental changes, as well as the unique wind erosion processes in arid regions.

Ridge-shaped Yardang

2. A typical example of a geomorphic type combination in extremely arid regions

The Geopark is located next to the Kumtag Desert. In this arid climate, powerful winds blow away the fine sand on the Piedmont Gobi plain, which results in the formation of a dark layer of gravel on the surface known as China's Black Gobi Desert. Here the Yardang landform, Gobi landform, and desert landform complement each other, jointly creating a prime example of various geomorphological types in extremely arid regions. This unique combination holds significant aesthetic and scientific research value.

3. The unparalleled beauty of a desert-encircled spring

The Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring showcases a rare fusion of geomorphic types that captivate explorers and ignite their curiosity about natural wonders. The mountain derives its name from the sound of its sand movement. The sands of five different colors, the genesis of the sound of sand moving, and the enduring height of the sand mountains over millennia hold significant scientific research value. Situated amidst the sand dunes, the Crescent Spring relies on groundwater as its main water source safeguarding it from drying up. Delving into the genesis of Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring provides insights into the tectonic evolution characteristics and geomorphological development within the Geopark's vicinity. These findings can serve as a valuable reference for further studies on the genesis of the region's landforms.

Crescent Spring

4. Longitudinal dunes endemic to China

Feather-shaped longitudinal dunes derive their name from their resemblance to feathers and are exclusively located in the Kumtag Desert, adjacent to the Geopark. These dunes have long served as a research hub for both domestic and international scholars. Investigating the factors contributing to their formation holds immense importance in understanding climatic conditions in extremely arid regions. Such knowledge offers a valuable theoretical foundation for desert management and the gradual restoration of the ecological environment in northwest China.

Feathery Longitudinal Dune

5. An iconic fusion of Geosites and culture and art

The Mogao Grottoes are a collection of caves intricately carved into the conglomerate of the Middle Pleistocene Jiuquan Formation within the Quaternary period. Renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship and an abundance of murals, the Mogao Grottoes stands as the world's largest treasure trove with the most abundant classical culture and art. Moreover, it is renowned as a prominent center for Buddhist art. The conglomerate composition of the Jiuquan Formation features geological conditions suitable for the carving of grottoes. Thanks to the naturally endowed advantage, the Mogao Grottoes were created and become a model exemplifying the integration of Geosites with culture and art.

Jiuquan Formation in the Mogao Grottoes