The Karakum Desert

The Karakum Desert, sprawling across 350,000 square kilometers, extends from the Caspian Sea to the Pamir foothills and from the Amu Darya River to the Kopet Dag range. Its name, which translates to «black sands» (where «kara» means black and «kum» means sand), aptly describes its bleak and formidable landscape. Historically, parts of this desert were so arid that travelers faced dire perils if they attempted to cross its expanse, often succumbing to the intense heat of the Asian sun.

Geographically, the Karakum is characterized by a rugged plain dotted with sand ridges and dunes interspersed with small salt flats and takyrs. It is divided into distinct regions: the Zaunguz Karakum, situated on a plateau; the Central Karakum, which sprawls across the lowlands; and the South-Eastern Karakum, where the desert gradually transitions into the foothills of Kugitangtau.

Surface water is scarce, with no notable oases, but large underground water reserves are accessible through wells. The desert is traversed by the extensive Karakum Canal, which channels water from the Amu Darya River and extends nearly 1,000 kilometers into the desert. Additionally, several rivers from the southern mountains flow into the desert, where they eventually disappear into the sands.

The climate of the Karakum is notoriously harsh. Summer temperatures can soar up to 50°C, with soil temperatures reaching as high as 80°C. Winter brings severe cold, with temperatures plummeting to -30°C. Precipitation is minimal, occurring mainly in November and April.

The desert’s flora includes sand sedge, acacia, and saksaul. During spring, vast areas are covered with grasses and wildflowers, though these quickly dry up by May. The fauna of the Karakum is diverse, featuring gazelles, foxes, wolves, various rodents, lizards, snakes, and insects. In addition to its wildlife, the desert supports grassland farming, including the raising of sheep and camels.