a chain of mountain ridges and massifs divided by dry valleys and basins on the southeastern extension of the Mongolian Altai in the Mongolian People’s Republic. Length, more than 500 km; altitudes, predominantly 1,500-2,500 m. Highest peak, Yihe Bogdo Uula, 3,957 m.
The mountains are composed of granite, sandstone, and limestone. The region of the Gobi Altai is highly seismic. A catastrophic earthquake with a force of 11-12 points occurred in the northern part of the Gobi Altai in 1957. Measurable tremors of the earth have been recorded over 5 million sq km of territory. In 1958, an earthquake with a force of 10 points occurred at Bayan Cagaan. Vegetation in the lower regions is of a desert variety, and that of the upper altitudes of a steppe variety.