Mogao

The following activities have taken place at the Mogao grottoes:

•  constructing a synthetic-fabric wind fence, approximately 3.5 km long, to control sand;

•  establishing a vegetation fence, using local desert-adapted plants with drip irrigation, to provide a long-term solution to sand migration;

•  installing a solar-powered, autonomous meteorological and environmental monitoring station and two cave monitoring stations to record microclimate and assess the effects of visitors on the atmosphere within the monitored caves;

•  undertaking color monitoring, along with technical training, to provide information on the pigment color stability of wall paintings;

•  undertaking measurement and monitoring of cracks and fissures, with technical training, to address questions of geological stability of the cliff;

•  providing dust monitoring within selected caves to relate the effectiveness of the wind fences and dust filters on the doors of the grottoes;

•  undertaking analysis of environmental monitoring data and providing training in computing and data reduction to help the Dunhuang Academy staff develop independence in scientific monitoring; and

•  performing various preliminary tests and installations, including filters and sweeps on doors for dust control; thin-roofed cave reinforcement using lightweight, synthetic geotextiles; tests on sand and rock stabilization for the cliff slope to address erosion; consultation on grouting technology and materials to stabilize the cliff; and engineering consultancy and advice in relation to the cliff face stability.