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Explorer Ernest Giles named the Gibson Desert after Alf Gibson, a young stockman who accompanied Giles on one of his expeditions, in 1874. On this journey, Giles was attempting to cross the desert from central Australia to Perth, but was thwarted by Aboriginal attack and lack of water. Lack of water caused Giles to send his packhorses back to their camp. A day or two later, Giles's horse was unable to continue, so the men began their return to the base camp, sharing Gibson's horse.
On 23 April 1874, Giles instructed Gibson to return to the camp for help, leaving Giles to walk. Giles reached where they had left water kegs and continued on with a supply of water that lasted him six more days. On the third day of his trek, he saw that the packhorses had left their original course and headed south, deeper into the desert. Gibson had followed the tracks. After reaching the base camp the next day, Giles immediately took another man and attempted to search for Gibson, but no trace of him was ever found. In his journal, Giles noted that he named the waterless country Gibson's Desert, "after this first white victim to its horrors".
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What is the main feature of the Gibson Desert?
The main feature of the Gibson Desert is gravel-covered topography covered in sparse desert grasses. The Gibson Desert covers 62,000 miles in western Australia.
How big is the Gibson Desert?
The Gibson Desert has an area of 156 000 sq km, and covers approximately 2% of the continent.
Which desert lies between the Great Sandy Desert and the Great Victoria Desert in WA?
The Gibson Desert is located between the Great Sandy Desert and the Great Victoria Desert.
Where is the Gibson Desert on the Australian map?
To the north of Lake Eyre.
Why is there a desert is Australia named Victoria?
The desert is named for the British monarch, Queen Victoria.
What are facts about the Gibson Desert?
It was named after Alfred Gibson.
Who is the Gibson Desert named after and why?
The Gibson Desert was named by explorer Ernest Giles after a member of his party, Alfred Gibson, who became lost and presumably died in this desert during an expedition in 1874.
How did the Gibson Desert get its name?
The Gibson Desert was named by explorer Ernest Giles after a member of his party, Alfred Gibson, who became lost and presumably died in this desert during an expedition in 1874.
Is the Gibson Desert a hot desert or a cold desert?
The Gibson Desert is a hot desert.
Is the Gibson Desert hot or cold?
The Gibson Desert is a hot desert.
Is the Gibson Desert in North Dakota?
No, the Gibson Desert is in Australia.
Is the Gibson Desert arid?
Yes, the Gibson Desert is arid. If it were not, it would not be called a desert.
In what state is the Gibson Desert?
The Gibson Desert is located in Western Australia.
In what region or country is the Gibson Desert located?
The Gibson Desert is in Australia
On which continent is the Gibson Desert located?
The Gibson Desert is located in Australia.
On what continent is the Gibson Desert located?
The Gibson Desert is located in Australia.
Is Gibson located in the Australian desert?
The Gibson Desert is one of Australia's deserts.
