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Which deserts are found in Kazakhstan?

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Kazakhstan features a diverse landscape that includes several significant desert regions, primarily located in the southern and western parts of the country. These arid areas are often characterized by slight vegetative cover sustained by subterranean groundwater.1

The major deserts found in Kazakhstan include:

  • Kyzylkum Desert: A vast desert spanning both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, situated between the Syr Darya and Amu Darya rivers.21
  • Aral Karakum: Located near the Aral Sea.1
  • Greater Barsuki (Barsyq): Another sandy desert region found in the vicinity of the Aral Sea.1
  • Betpaqdala Desert: A broad desert located in the interior of the country.1
  • Moiynqum (Muyunkum): A desert region situated in the south.1

These regions contribute to the varied topography of the republic, which also encompasses lowlands, plateaus, and mountainous areas such as the Tien Shan and Altai ranges.1