 
The metric units used in this publication can be converted to English units by using the approximate conversions given below: Length
Area
Temperature
Landsat image shows complex linear and crescentic dunes in the northeastern Taklimakan Desert of China. Landsat image shows complex linear and crescentic dunes in the northeastern Taklimakan Desert of China. In this desert there are a great many evil spirits and also hot winds; those who encounter them perish to a man. There are neither birds above nor beasts below. Gazing on all sides as far as the eye can reach in order to mark the track, no guidance is to be obtained save from the rotting bones of dead men, which point the way. Explorer Fa Xian describing the Taklimakan Desert of China about 400 A.D. This publication is one of a series of general interest publications prepared by the U.S. Geological Survey to provide information about the earth sciences, natural resources, and the environment. To obtain a catalog of additional titles in the series “General Interest Publications of the U.S. Geological Survey,” write: U.S. Geological Survey Branch of Distribution P.O. Box 25286 Denver, CO 80225 ? U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1992 0-332-326 QL 2 As the Nation's principal conservation agency, the Department of the Interior has responsibility for most of our nationally-owned public lands and natural and cultural resources. This includes fostering wise use of our land and water resources, protecting our fish and wildlife, preserving the environmental and cultural values of our national parks and historical places, and providing for the enjoyment of life through outdoor recreation. The Department assesses our energy and mineral resources and works to assure that their development is in the best interests of all our people. The Department also promotes the goals of the Take Pride in America campaign by encouraging stewardship and citizen responsibility for the public land and promoting citizen participation in their care. The Department also has a major responsibility for American Indian reservation communities and for people who live in Island Territories under U.S. Administration. Cover Photographs:Granite Mountain in the Great Basin Desert (photograph by Terrence Moore). Granite Mountain in the Great Basin Desert (photograph by Terrence Moore). Sonoran Desert (photograph by Peter Kresan). Sonoran Desert (photograph by Peter Kresan). Zabriskie Point in Death Valley, California (photograph by Peter Kresan). Zabriskie Point in Death Valley, California (photograph by Peter Kresan). Artists Point in Monument Valley (photograph by Peter Kresan). Artists Point in Monument Valley (photograph by Peter Kresan). Death Valley, California (photograph by Cecil Stoughton). Death Valley, California (photograph by Cecil Stoughton). Cacti in the Sonoran Desert (photograph by John Olson). Cacti in the Sonoran Desert (photograph by John Olson). Back Cover Transcriber’s Notes
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