Ton Desert Geography and Characteristics

The Ton Desert, located in western China, is the largest desert in the country and the 16th largest in the world. It is situated in the Xinjiang province within the Tarim Basin, surrounded by mountain ranges that create a rain shadow effect, resulting in a cold desert climate. The desert experiences extreme temperature variations, with hot summers and cold winters. It is characterized by shifting sand dunes, making it the second-largest sand-shifting desert globally. The Hotan River crosses the desert, but major cities are found only on its periphery due to the harsh environment.

What is the approximate size of the Ton Desert?

• 337,000 square kilometers

• 500,000 square kilometers

• 200,000 square kilometers

• 100,000 square kilometers

Which desert is roughly 1.7 times smaller than the Ton Desert?

• Patagonian Desert

• Thar Desert

• Gobi Desert

• Sahara Desert

In which province of China is the Ton Desert located?

• Xinjiang

• Sichuan

• Tibet

• Yunnan

What is the primary reason for the creation of the Ton Desert?

• High altitude

• Volcanic activity

• Rain shadow effect

• Proximity to the ocean

What is the maximum width of the Ton Desert?

• 960 km

• 420 km

• 600 km

• 300 km

What is the annual rainfall in the Ton Desert?

• Less than 4 inches

• 10 inches

• 30 inches

• 20 inches

What percentage of the Ton Desert is made up of shifting sand dunes?

• 95%

• 70%

• 85%

• 50%

Which river crosses the center of the Ton Desert?

• Yangtze River

• Yellow River

• Hotan River

• Tarim River

Which city is located on the borders of the Ton Desert?

• Korla

• Kashgar

• Hotan

• Urumqi

Which of the following cities is NOT situated on the periphery of the Ton Desert?

• Korla

• Lhasa

• Aksu

• Kashgar