To convert °Celsius to °Fahrenheit, multiply °C by 1.8 and add 32.
To convert °Fahrenheit to °Celsius, subtract 32 from °F and divide the
result by 1.8.
[Illustration: Landsat image shows complex linear and crescentic dunes
in the northeastern Taklimakan Desert of China.]
_In this desert there are a great many evil spirits and also hot winds;
those who encounter them perish to a man. There are neither birds above
nor beasts below. Gazing on all sides as far as the eye can reach in
order to mark the track, no guidance is to be obtained save from the
rotting bones of dead men, which point the way._
_Explorer Fa Xian describing the Taklimakan Desert of China about 400
A.D._
This publication is one of a series of general interest publications
prepared by the U.S. Geological Survey to provide information about the
earth sciences, natural resources, and the environment. To obtain a
catalog of additional titles in the series “General Interest
Publications of the U.S. Geological Survey,” write:
U.S. Geological Survey
Branch of Distribution
P.O. Box 25286
Denver, CO 80225
★ U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1992 0-332-326 QL 2
As the Nation's principal conservation agency, the Department of the
Interior has responsibility for most of our nationally-owned public
lands and natural and cultural resources. This includes fostering wise
use of our land and water resources, protecting our fish and wildlife,
preserving the environmental and cultural values of our national parks
and historical places, and providing for the enjoyment of life through
outdoor recreation. The Department assesses our energy and mineral
resources and works to assure that their development is in the best
interests of all our people. The Department also promotes the goals of
the Take Pride in America campaign by encouraging stewardship and
citizen responsibility for the public land and promoting citizen
participation in their care. The Department also has a major
responsibility for American Indian reservation communities and for
people who live in Island Territories under U.S. Administration.
Cover Photographs:
[Illustration: Granite Mountain in the Great Basin Desert (photograph by
Terrence Moore).]
[Illustration: Sonoran Desert (photograph by Peter Kresan).]
[Illustration: Zabriskie Point in Death Valley, California (photograph
by Peter Kresan).]
[Illustration: Artists Point in Monument Valley (photograph by Peter
Kresan).]
[Illustration: Death Valley, California (photograph by Cecil
Stoughton).]
[Illustration: Cacti in the Sonoran Desert (photograph by John Olson).]
[Illustration: Back Cover]