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science4h ago
Gemstone-filled river and striped mountain ridge form massive 'Y' in China's revitalized desert — Earth from space
- A Landsat 9 satellite image reveals a green river beside a red-white ridge forming a giant Y in the Taklamakan Desert.
- The Hotan River and Marzatagh ridge create the Y, with the fort at the convergence dating back to the eighth century.
- The river carries nephrite jade, while Marzatagh’s ridges form a natural barrier to dunes along the desert edge.
- The site served as a Silk Road stop, offering water, gemstones, and shelter for travelers.
- The eighth-century fort at the Y’s intersection was examined by archaeologists in the early 20th century.
- NASA Earth Observatory notes the geographic significance of Hotan River and Marzatagh in forming the Y.
- The image highlights ecological changes around the Taklamakan Desert linked to tree planting efforts.
- The feature provides context for future archaeological and geological studies in the region.
- The article references future exploration and the enrichment of related knowledge around the Taklamakan feature.
- The feature is located in the Tarim Basin of China's Xinjiang region near Taklamakan Desert.
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