The role and significance of the Gobi Desert pavement in controlling sand movement on the cliff top near the Dunhuang Magao Grottoes

Field investigation and monitoring allowed the analysis of damage by windbl own sand to the Dunhuang Magao Grottoes. The results show that although the Gobi gravel belt on the cliff top to the Magao Grottoes allows sand transp ort, it is also a protective screen which prevents the Megadunes on the Min gsha Mountain and its frontal edge dunes from advancing towards the grottoe s or even burying them. It is suggested that efforts to protect the Mogao G rottoes should be focused on preventing the wind-blown sand flowing over th e gravel belt, rather than on checking the migration of the dunes. To attai n this, an effective system for blocking sand movement and stabilization me asures should be adopted at the front edge of the Mingsha Mountain but no s and retarding works should be set up in the Gobi gravel belt itself, lest t hey accumulate sand. (C) 2001 Academic Press.