Map Showing Qaidam Basin, Central Asia (IMAGE) University of Arizona Caption This map shows Central Asia's Qaidam Basin, Gobi Desert and Loess Plateau. A research team led by University of Arizona geoscientist Paul Kapp suggests that during glacial times, winds blew dust from the Qaidam Basin to the Loess Plateau and deposited more than half of the dust currently in the Loess Plateau. During interglacial times such as the present, the westerly winds shift north and blow dust from the Gobi Desert to the Loess Plateau. Credit Paul Kapp, University of Arizona. Usage Restrictions This photo may be used only to illustrate a story about the research described in the accompanying release, Wind Can Keep Mountains from Growing. The photo credit must be included with the image. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.