Fighting sand to protect Mogao Grottoes

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 ◆ Fighting sand to protect Mogao Grottoes

The legendary and mysterious Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang of Gansu Province are one of the most significant cultural treasures in China and the world. Over 1,600 years, however, the force of nature has gradually taken its toll on the colorful frescos and murals, leaving the merciless mark of time on their once faultless surfaces.

The Mogao Grottoes are the most remarkable of the Dunhuang Grotto complex. The caves were discovered by chance in 1900. The discovery shocked the world and marked the beginning of special studies and protection work concerning Dunhuang.

Observations and experiments conducted by experts over the past 50 years have confirmed that sand is the main threat for the Mogao Grottoes. The particles wreak havoc through sand deposits, wind erosion and dust.

The protection of the Mogao Grottoes officially began in 1944 with the establishment of the National Dunhuang Art Research Institute, the predecessor of the Dunhuang Research Institute.

International societies joined hands with their Chinese counterparts to curb the problem. Biological, engineering and chemical methods were introduced to reduce the threat of sand. In 1990, for example, scientists erected a huge experimental nylon fence facing the Gobi desert belt above the Mogao Grottoes. The contraption actually reduced sand deposits in front of the grottoes by 60 to 80 percent.

The planting of trees and grass has always been a chief method to keep sand out. And after 10 years of efforts, a two-kilometer-long, 14-meter-thick scrub forest on top of the grottoes has been completed and it successfully blocks the sand carried by the west wind.

There may be no way of stopping the force of nature, but through the efforts of experts from both home and abroad, the development of modern technology as well as public awareness and support, scientists can largely slow down the motion to save the priceless ancient art for future generations to admire.