The Gobi Desert covers much of southern Mongolia and northern China. It has a harsh climate with hot summers over 40°C and cold winters below -40°C, and receives less than 100mm of rainfall per year. The terrain consists of gravel plains and rocky outcrops rather than sand dunes. Despite the harsh conditions, the desert is home to camels, wild asses, bears and other wildlife that have adapted to the environment. Nomadic herders and their livestock also inhabit the region.