Desert, forming the greater part of the
Tarim Basin, west-central China. One of the world's largest sandy wastes, it is about 600 mi (960 km) across, with an area of 123,550 sq mi (320,000 sq km). It is flanked by high mountain ranges, including the
Kunlun Mountains, whose rivers penetrate the desert 60 – 120 mi (100 – 200 km) before drying up in its sands. Its wind-blown sand cover is as much as 1,000 ft (300 m) thick and has formed such features as pyramidal dunes that can reach heights of 1,000 ft (300 m).
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