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Which regions make up the western Gobi Desert?

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Physical map of the Gobi Desert region spanning southern Mongolia and northern China, showing major mountain ranges, sand areas, salt lakes, and spot elevations in meters. The map uses color shading to indicate elevation and includes a small locator map highlighting the Gobi Desert's position in Asia.
Gobi

The western region of the Gobi Desert is composed of three distinct areas:

  • Gaxun Gobi: Located in the west, this area is bounded by the Tien Shan spurs to the west and the Bei Mountains to the south. It is characterized by a stony, nearly waterless landscape with wide hollows and flat hills.
  • Trans-Altai Gobi: Situated between the eastern spurs of the Mongolian Altai and Gobi Altai mountains to the north and east, and the Bei Mountains to the south. This region features a rugged, elevated plain interspersed with low hills, dry riverbeds, and salt marshes.
  • Junggar Gobi: Positioned north of the Gaxun Gobi within the Junggar Basin, this area lies between the eastern spurs of the Mongolian Altai and the eastern extremity of the Tien Shan. Its landscape is marked by ravines, residual hills, and low mountain ridges.1