The Inner Mongolia grassland, because of its flatness, is greatly benefited by the river water. Its climate is however arid continental, with extreme summer and winter temperatures and low, irregular rainfall, most of which is concentrated in the summer months. Good sunlight conditions and a frost-free period of 130-160 days allows a growing season of 4 to 5 months. Its average annual precipitation is 300-400 mm, while its annual evapotranspiration is in the 2,000-2,300 mm range adding to the basin's water deficit.

Cattle herding in the desert feeding on sand willow

图片来自：《黄河流域地图集》黄河水利委员会编，中国地图出版社，1989年。