Gobi (Sha-moh) Desert area in central Asia, extending over much of s Mongolia and n China. One of the world's largest deserts, it is on a plateau, 900–1500m (3000–5000ft) high. The fringes are grassy and inhabited by nomadic Mongolian tribes who rear sheep and goats. The Gobi has cold winters, hot summers, and fierce winds and sandstorms. Area: c.1.3 million sq km (500,000sq mi).

gobi An Asian name for desert pavement.