Question
Here is the question : THE KARAKUM DESERT COVERS ROUGHLY 70% OF WHAT “STAN” NATION?
Option
Here is the option for the question :
- Kyrgyzstan
- Afghanistan
- Uzbekistan
- Turkmenistan
The Answer:
And, the answer for the the question is :
Explanation:
The 135,000 square mile-long Karakum Desert covers over 70% of Turkmenistan. One person resides on average per 2.5 square miles in the desert, which has a very small population. The name Karakum, which means “Black Sand,” refers to the small populations of turtles, lizards, and rats that may be found in the desert.
Turkmenistan, a fascinating country located in Central Asia, is home to the expansive Karakum Desert, which covers approximately 70% of its territory. This vast desert, with its rich history and unique features, holds a significant place in Turkmenistan’s identity. Join me as we embark on a journey to explore the wonders and secrets of the Karakum Desert and discover the captivating allure it holds.
Spanning over 350,000 square kilometers (135,000 square miles), the Karakum Desert is one of the largest sand deserts in the world. Its name, “Karakum,” translates to “Black Sand” in the Turkic languages, aptly describing the dark-colored sand that dominates the landscape. The desert stretches across the southern and central parts of Turkmenistan, encompassing vast plains, dunes, and rocky outcrops.
The Karakum Desert is characterized by its extreme climate, with scorching summers and bitterly cold winters. Temperatures can soar above 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) during the summer months, while winters bring freezing temperatures, often dropping below zero. The desert receives very little rainfall, making it an arid environment with limited vegetation and scarce water sources.
the Karakum Desert is inhabited by a resilient array of plant and animal species adapted to survive in this harsh environment. Vegetation in the desert mainly consists of drought-tolerant plants such as saxaul, saltwort, and various species of desert shrubs. These plants have developed mechanisms to conserve water and withstand the aridity of the desert.
The fauna of the Karakum Desert is equally diverse and includes a range of creatures adapted to the desert’s extreme conditions. Some of the notable animal species found here are the Karakul sheep, known for their thick coats of wool, and the charming jerboa, a small desert rodent with long hind legs for swift movement across the sandy terrain. Reptiles like the desert monitor lizard and various snake species also call the desert their home.
One of the most intriguing features of the Karakum Desert is the Darvaza Gas Crater, often referred to as the “Door to Hell.” This surreal phenomenon was accidentally created during a Soviet drilling operation in 1971 when a natural gas cavern collapsed, leaving a crater that emitted toxic gases. To prevent the spread of these gases, the decision was made to ignite the crater, expecting the fire to burn out within a few weeks. However, the flames have been burning continuously for over five decades, creating an otherworldly spectacle that attracts curious visitors from around the world.
The Karakum Desert is not only a land of natural wonders but also holds historical and cultural significance. The Silk Road, an ancient trade route that connected East and West, passed through this region, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures. Ruins of caravanserais, fortresses, and ancient settlements scattered throughout the desert serve as reminders of the desert’s role in shaping the history of Central Asia.
Modern-day Turkmenistan has embraced the unique qualities of the Karakum Desert and has developed tourism initiatives to showcase its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Travelers have the opportunity to embark on desert expeditions, exploring the vastness of the dunes, witnessing stunning sunsets over the sand, and experiencing the nomadic lifestyle of the desert-dwelling tribes.
Turkmenistan’s Karakum Desert stands as a testament to the resilience of life in harsh environments and the rich history of the region. Covering approximately 70% of the country’s land, this expansive desert offers a unique blend of natural wonders, cultural heritage, and intriguing phenomena such as the Darvaza Gas Crater. As visitors venture into the Karakum Desert, they are greeted by a realm of stark beauty and captivating