China is at the forefront of confronting desertification, as it has succeeded in scientific innovations and great gains in the economy. The Mogao Caves in the Gobi Desert are the introversion of China’s history, decorated with fine Buddhist murals over one thousand years ago. These caves have to constantly challenge themselves with sand and wind threatening to wipe away their preservation from the invading desert.
Since the 1940s, the people of Dunhuang have constructed a complete system of sand removal and sand stabilization to protect the Mogao Caves. The complete five-tier protection system is grass grids, sand-binding plants, and “A”-shaped nylon net sand barriers, which combine to minimize the effect of wind-blown sand and dust.
Also Read: Bashar al-Assad’s First Statement Since Fleeing to Russia
Located approximately 12 km away, Crescent Lake, also known as Yueya Spring, is the most famous oasis in the ruthless Gobi Desert and has shifting sand dunes driven by relentless winds, leading to their burying in this oasis. The researchers have plotted this movement of the dunes, which they have found to oscillate around by winds coming from three directions. Hence the researchers made an effort to restore natural wind patterns, which ensure the spring will remain for future generations.
Such true protection deprives one of natural wind patterns: the Mudgo Caves and the Crescent Lake. Indeed, the whole thing is saving them and, hence, many generations to come through life and legacy.