The geological heritage investigation project titled "Alxa Desert UGGp Geoheritage Survey Project in Badain Jaran" commissioned by the Alxa Desert UGGp Administration and led by Professor Tian Mingzhong's team from China University of Geosciences (Beijing). The mission was successfully completed from October 14 to November 5, 2023. The field investigation covered an area of 73,000 square kilometers, with a route length of 6,032.16 kilometers, and the total travel distance was also 6,032.16 kilometers. The project passed the field inspection by the expert group on November 3-4, 2023, achieving an outstanding result.

This is the first comprehensive and detailed geological heritage investigation in Badain Jaran, successfully elucidating the significant types, causes, distributions, levels, conservation status, scientific value, and aesthetic value. The findings provide a rich and solid scientific foundation for the development, scientific research, science popularization, sustainable development, as well as serving societal needs.

The investigation encompassed 204 points (170 geosites, 6 natural site, and 28 cultural sites), with a focus on the southern Badain Jaran including Longshou Mountain and Helijie Mountain, the northern Badain Jaran including Zongnai Mountain, the eastern part including Yaobailai Mountain, and the central-western part including the Badain Jaran Desert.

In the eastern part, the numerous Mandala rock paintings are noted for their dense distribution, diverse content, unique style, clear depiction, long historical span, and exquisite carving techniques, which contribute significantly to the artistic appreciation and historical research. These rock paintings have been recognized as a provincial-level cultural heritage protection site since 1996, and were listed as the 7th batch of national key cultural heritage protection sites in 2013.

According to the investigation, there are 3 world-class geological heritage sites: the Permian Engel Oosu ophiolite complex, the Bulutu peak and its desert lake cluster, and the core area of the Mandala rock paintings. National-level geological heritage sites include the Upper Cretaceous Wulan Shuhai Formation dinosaur fossil location, natural soda mine, Bayinsunbuerhuman remain site, Urentuya human remain site, and Engel Oosu circular dome structure pit. There are 114 provincial-level geoheritage sites and 48 sites that are below provincial level status. 

Based on the findings of this geological heritage investigation, the Badain Jaran’s southern part (Longshou Mountain and Helijie Mountain) is characterized by landform features such as stream erosion, wind erosion of granite, and geological structure remnants. The central and western part (the Badain Jaran Desert) are marked by desert and lake landform remnants. The northern part (Zongnai Mountain) and the eastern site (Yaobailai Mountain) are distinguished by geological structure, geomorphic structures, gobi steppe, unique rocks, ancient biological fossils, and cultural landmarks.

This geological heritage investigation has yielded several significant breakthroughs and discoveries:

For the first time, the Yabulai Mountains has revealed the Bayinsunbuer human remain site, as well as the Urentuya human remains site on the northeast edge of the Badain Jaran Desert. These sites are associated with the late Paleolithic to Neolithic era, contributing to a new type of geological heritage. They provide tangible evidence for the living conditions and migration routes of ancient humans.

An investigation into the cause of the "volcano-like" landform in Engel Oosu has been carried out. It appears to be a dome structure, but detailed research is still required to confirm this.

Some basaltic scoriaceous tuff has been discovered around Engel Oosu, indicating the presence of an ancient volcanic crater nearby. This discovery provides crucial guidance and clues for the search for ancient volcanoes.

The geological heritage in Alxa Desert UGGp have been categorized according to their level, and an initial evaluation of their value has been conducted.

This geological heritage investigation in the Badain Jaran is the culmination of efforts following the surveys conducted in the Tengger and Juyanhai. The successful completion of the Badain Jaran investigation marks the end of a three-year action plan for geological heritage investigations in Alxa Desert UGGp. Going forward, the Alxa Desert UGGp Administration will swiftly convert the results of this investigation into practical applications. These applications will utilize the investigation outcomes to guide future planning, conservation, and sustainable development of the geopark, ensuring scientific and detailed insights. Additionally, this will support and propel the high-quality development of the geopark.

Geological heritage field investigation

Field validation meeting for the geological heritage investigation project

Field validation for the geological heritage investigation project

Internal validation for the geological heritage investigation project

Ancient human remain sites in Yabulai Mountains

Pieces of pottery and other artifacts collected from the ancient human remain sites in Yabulai Mountains

The shape of Enger Gacha resembles a "volcano crater"