The relationship between modern meteorological elements and the southern border of the Tengger Desert

Abstract

The modern southern border of the Tengger Desert protrudes southward at the east and west ends and recedes northward in the central part. However, no satisfactory explanation can be given for the shape of this border according to geomorphological elements. From the west to the east of the south of the Tengger Desert, there is a gradual change in precipitation, humidity, temperature, and mean wind speed, which differs from the abrupt modeled change in the desert’s southern border distribution. The indication is that these meteorological elements are not the main factors controlling the migration of the southern border of the Tengger Desert. The extreme and maximum wind speeds at the east and west ends of the Tengger Desert are stronger than those of the central part. Consequently, the sand dunes at both ends move faster than those of the central part, causing the southern border of the Tengger Desert to protrude southward at both ends and recede northward in the central part. As a result, winds occurring in winter and spring, especially the strong northwest winds in spring, are the main controlling factor for the migration of the southern border of the Tengger Desert.