Global Comparative Analysis of Dunhuang UNESCO Global Geopark

1. Yardang Landform

This paper provides a comparative analysis of Yardang landform and others landforms at home and abroad in terms of morphological characteristics, material composition, ages of sediments and other aspects.

In China,comparative analysis is conducted among Yardang landforms in Dunhuang Geopark, Qarhan Salt Lake, downstream of Konqi River, Bai Longdui, Aqik Valley and Hami in Xinjiang Province.

Internationally, comparative analysis is conducted among Yardang landforms in Dunhuang Geopark, Lut Desert, Kuwait, areas near the Andes Mountains, Chad Basin and Rogers Lake. Analysis is also made on their commonalities and characteristics. Comparative results are as follows:

Similarity and Common Character:

1) Similar climatic conditions. Yardang Landform is developed in drought or extreme drought areas. The main trend of Yardang landform is consistent with the local main wind direction.

2) Similar material composition. The material composition of Yardang landform is mostly from the Pleistocene, namely the lacustrine sediments in Holocene. There are also some Yardang landforms developed from poorly-consolidated volcanic rock. Sedimentary structure of Yardang is relatively more obvious and has clear cycles of sedimentation.

3) Similar formation process. There are various types of Yardang landforms. Although the shapes are different, they have basically the same formation process.

Differences and Characteristics:

1) Yardang landform in Dunhuang has different shapes and large density. Although the distribution is not great, the wind valley between Yardang landforms in Dunhuang is narrow. It has rich morphology, various types, great quantity and large distribution density.

2) Trend changes of Yardang landform in Dunhuang are extremely clear. Northern part of the Yardang scenic spot is shown as overall north-to-south direction; Southern part is as east-to-west direction, indicating a major effect force in the formation of Yardang landform is significantly different.

3) Yardang landform in Dunhuang has a huge difference in scale. Different landforms have two orders of magnitude in width, height and perimeter; for lengths, the difference can reach three orders of magnitude.

4) Yardang landform in Dunhuang reflects a plurality of stages of evolution for Yardang landform, which includes different stages from its initial formation to final demise, reflecting the complete process of Yardang landform’s formation.

2.Mingsha Mountain

Comparative analysis is conducted domestically and internationally in terms of sand mountain’s morphological characteristics, environmental condition, singing feature, sand feature, etc.

In China, comparative analysis is conducted among the Mount Mingshashan in Dunhuang, Shapotou in Zhongwei, Ningxia, Balikun in Xinjiang and large-scale singing sand areas in Badain Jaran Desert.

Compared with the Mount Mingshashans in Oceania, Asia, Africa, America and other seashores and lakesides, the main comparative conclusions are as follows.

Similarity and Common Character:

1) At home and abroad, Mount Mingshashan are mostly developed in dry sand, wet sand has a rare sound; besides, lake, seashore are not objectively existed on steep slopes.

2) The sand sound frequency is associated with sand average size and psephicity, while the sound amplitude is decided by its surface structure.

3) Generally, singing sand is pure, well-rounded and well-sorted with sand diameter at 0.1 ~ 0.5mm and its composition contains mostly the silicon.

Differences and Characteristics:

1) Although the Mount Mingshashan in Dunhuang has a smaller scale than that in Badain Jaran Desert, it has long history and cultural heritage. It is also close to the Mogao Grottoes and has significant tourism value. In 2005, it was prized as the most beautiful deserts in China by National Geographic and enjoys high popularity and reputation domestically.

2) Compared with other Mount Mingshashans from both home and abroad, the Mount Mingshashan in Dunhuang has a more complicated composition with different colors including red, yellow, green, white and black.

3) The Mount Mingshashan in Dunhuang has a high altitude and steep slope. It is near to the Crescent Moon Spring and has great significance in studying and controlling sand for ecological protection. The Mount Mingshashan and the Crescent Moon Spring enhance each other’s beauty to form the world’s unique scenery, while the magnificent and historical Mount Mingshashan is unparalleled elsewhere.

3. Comprehensive comparison Conclusion

Analysis of the scientific features of Dunhuang Geopark and comparison with the same type of geological heritage at home and abroad, it has the following uniqueness and values:

(1) Peculiar Yardang Landform. High-intensive distribution is very rare in the world and it is one of the most intensive areas for distribution. The overall trend distributed extensively in such small areas exchanges greatly and is unique worldwide. Such typical landform landscape has great significance in studying the topographic features in drought areas, the environment evolution of ancient geography and climate, as well as the unique wind erosion.

(2) Typical Yardang Landform. It ranks to be the pioneer declaration for geopark with Yardang landform as the main theme whatever at home or abroad. Park is integrated with topographic research, tourism, science education and outdoor adventure. In 2005, it was identified as the Northwest Self-driving Tour Bases by Northwest Tourism Association; in August 2011, it was named by the Ministry of Land and Resources as the “Land and Resources Science Base”; in October 2012, it was named by Gansu Provincial Science and Technology Association as “Gansu Science Education Base”.

(3) The Mount Mingshashan is featured by its unwavering stability, harmonious sand mountain, clear springs and moist springs. Its colors and changes are unusual. It has a complicated composition with five colors included. It contributes significant meanings in studying its composition and sand source. After wind erosion, it could restore to the original appearance even for visitors’ footmarks, reflecting the unimaginable changes of the sand mountains.

 (4) Dunhuang has massive historical and cultural deposits. It is an important node in ancient Silk Road and it is irreplaceable. The typical, unique geological heritage and rich historical and cultural landscape have incomparable advantages compared to other geological parks.

In summary, geological heritage in Dunhuang is typical and abundant. Cultural and historical resources are unique here and this contributes to the natural science research value, unique aesthetics and historical and cultural value. It is an ideal place for comprehensive studies in geology, topography, climate, environment, hydrology, ecology, history, literature, aesthetics, painting, religion, tourism and other subjects.  The establishment of China Dunhuang Geopark is the best way to protect the natural and cultural heritages in Dunhuang, so as to achieve sustainable use of resources.