The Formation of the Gobi Desert
In The Formation of the Gobi Desert, narrator Sir David Attenborough explores the Gobi Desert and its origin. The Himalayas force air upwards, creating rainfall. When the air reaches the other side of the mountains, it is drier. This weather pattern formed the Gobi Desert. This video is excerpted from BBC's Planet Earth, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
Lesson Express
Q: What created the Gobi Desert?
A: The Himalayas created the desert because when clouds hit the mountains they empty their moisture on the mountain, leaving nothing for the land on the other side.
Q: Which desert is the same size as the United States?
A: The Sahara Desert in Africa is the size of the United States and the biggest source of sand and dust in the world.
Q: Can the deserts be seen from outer space?
A: Yes — the lack of vegetation makes the deserts stand out from outer space. It also reveals irregularities and strange formations on the Earth.
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