A significant part of Mongolia is desert primarily due to its cold and dry climate, influenced by specific atmospheric conditions.
Key Climate Factors in Mongolia
Much of Mongolia, particularly areas like the northern reaches of the Gobi Desert, experiences conditions that result in a desert environment. This climate is characterized by extreme temperatures and very low precipitation.
The Influence of Siberian-Mongolian High Pressure
One of the critical factors contributing to the cold and dry weather found in the more northern areas of the Gobi Desert is the presence of Siberian-Mongolian high pressure cells. These large systems of high atmospheric pressure dominate the region, especially during the colder months.
Here's how these pressure cells contribute to the desert conditions:
- High Pressure: High-pressure systems are typically associated with sinking air. As air descends, it warms up and dries out.
- Blocking Moisture: The presence of strong high pressure tends to block moisture-bearing weather systems from entering the region, leading to very low levels of precipitation (rain or snow).
- Cold Temperatures: While high pressure itself doesn't directly cause extreme cold, the clear skies and dry air associated with it allow heat to escape rapidly, especially at night, leading to very cold temperatures. The location's high latitude also contributes significantly to the cold.
The combination of these factors results in an environment that is both very cold and very dry.
Impact on Vegetation and Desert Formation
The reference states that this cold and dry weather makes it unable to support much plant growth. Deserts are defined by their lack of vegetation, typically due to low precipitation. When temperatures are also extremely cold, it adds another layer of difficulty for plant life to thrive.
Therefore, the specific atmospheric conditions created by the Siberian-Mongolian high pressure cells lead to the defining characteristics of a cold desert:
- Minimal precipitation
- Extreme temperature variations (very cold winters, often hot summers)
- Sparse or non-existent plant life
These conditions, attributed to the high-pressure systems, explain why large areas of Mongolia, such as the Gobi Desert, are classified as deserts.
