Geography of modern-day mongolia
Mongolia has varying natural resources, such as fish, forests, and many varying mineral resources. Wood is a major export and resource for Mongolians, with 1.3 billion timber stocks in the country. The rivers and lakes in Mongolia contain over 50 species of fish. However, fish is not popular with native Mongolians, and as such this resource is not fully exploited.
Without a doubt, the richest resources in Mongolia are its minerals. Coal, copper, gold, and iron are just some of the minerals mined. For example, over 79.5 billion tons of coal are located throughout the different regions in the country. Phosphates and iron are found in the northern regions, and fluorite has been found in a surprising amount of places, mostly in the eastern region. There are substantial amounts of uranium in Mongolia, and in 1995 it was produced from a Dornod deposit. This was purely for Russian interests, and since then there has been no uranium mining in Mongolia. Lead, copper, and tin are mined in substantial amounts, supplying a steady source of income from exports to Russia and other countries.
The geography of Mongolia varies from mountains and valleys in the north to flat plains in the south. The average elevation is 1580 meters, or about 4700 feet. Overall, Mongolia has a dry and cold climate, with long winters and short summers. The country has an average of 257 dry days per year, meaning that there are no clouds in the sky. During most winters, the sheep and cattle are able to survive off the little remaining grass. Occasionally, there will be a massive, freezing blizzard that kills lots of livestock and destroys their feeding grounds. This is called a zud, and the Mongols have been unable to significantly increase their livestock population due to these random, deadly storms.
Statistics state that Mongolia is 8-10% forest, less than 1% arable, and the rest pastures or deserts. Grain, mostly wheat, is grown in the northern valleys. However, annual yields fluctuate widely and unpredictably as a result of the amount and the timing of rain. The dates of the "killing frosts" destroy many crops as well.
Without a doubt, the richest resources in Mongolia are its minerals. Coal, copper, gold, and iron are just some of the minerals mined. For example, over 79.5 billion tons of coal are located throughout the different regions in the country. Phosphates and iron are found in the northern regions, and fluorite has been found in a surprising amount of places, mostly in the eastern region. There are substantial amounts of uranium in Mongolia, and in 1995 it was produced from a Dornod deposit. This was purely for Russian interests, and since then there has been no uranium mining in Mongolia. Lead, copper, and tin are mined in substantial amounts, supplying a steady source of income from exports to Russia and other countries.
The geography of Mongolia varies from mountains and valleys in the north to flat plains in the south. The average elevation is 1580 meters, or about 4700 feet. Overall, Mongolia has a dry and cold climate, with long winters and short summers. The country has an average of 257 dry days per year, meaning that there are no clouds in the sky. During most winters, the sheep and cattle are able to survive off the little remaining grass. Occasionally, there will be a massive, freezing blizzard that kills lots of livestock and destroys their feeding grounds. This is called a zud, and the Mongols have been unable to significantly increase their livestock population due to these random, deadly storms.
Statistics state that Mongolia is 8-10% forest, less than 1% arable, and the rest pastures or deserts. Grain, mostly wheat, is grown in the northern valleys. However, annual yields fluctuate widely and unpredictably as a result of the amount and the timing of rain. The dates of the "killing frosts" destroy many crops as well.
Resource map: http://www.photoglobe.info/ebooks/mongolia/cstudies_mongolia_0090.html
Mongolia Info: http://www.photoglobe.info/ebooks/mongolia/cstudies_mongolia_0090.html
http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/Country-Profiles/Countries-G-N/Mongolia/
Geography map: http://www.cbmglobe.org/mongolia%20case%20study%204.htm
Mongolia Info: http://www.photoglobe.info/ebooks/mongolia/cstudies_mongolia_0090.html
http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/Country-Profiles/Countries-G-N/Mongolia/
Geography map: http://www.cbmglobe.org/mongolia%20case%20study%204.htm