The role and significance of the Gobi Desert pavement in controlling sand movement on the cliff top near the Dunhuang Magao Grottoes

Field investigation and monitoring allowed the analysis of damage by wind-blown sand to the Dunhuang Magao Grottoes. The results show that although the Gobi gravel belt on the cliff top to the Magao Grottoes allows sand transport, it is also a protective screen which prevents the Megadunes on the Mingsha Mountain and its frontal edge dunes from advancing towards the grottoes or even burying them. It is suggested that efforts to protect the Mogao Grottoes should be focused on preventing the wind-blown sand flowing over the gravel belt, rather than on checking the migration of the dunes. To attain this, an effective system for blocking sand movement and stabilization measures should be adopted at the front edge of the Mingsha Mountain but no sand retarding works should be set up in the Gobi gravel belt itself, lest they accumulate sand