The Control of Sandstorms in Inner Mongolia

Abstract

The frequent occurrence of sandstorms in northern China in recent yearshas had an immediate bearing upon the ecological degeneration ofgrasslands in Inner Mongolia. The long-term exploitation by humans ofthe primordial ecosystems has led to the degradation of the sandygrasslands. In this respect, human infringement is the predominantreason followed by natural retrogression. Hence, in order to tame thesandstorm scourge, the pressure on the depleted ecosystems fromlivestock grazing should be eased in such a way that native vegetationis restored while large areas of grasslands may be revived by naturalprocesses in their normal evolutionary course. This article discussesthe formative reasons behind the sandstorms, approaches harnessed totackle the scourge, and the constructive roles played by forests andother natural factors.