SPORT AND SCIENCE ON THE 
at the conclusion that they belonged to the 
Shansi formation. 
PART 9 
THe GEOLOGY OF THE MONGOLIAN PLATEAU, 
InNER MonGOLIA 
Throughout the whole of this journey nothing 
but igneous and metamorphic rocks were en- 
countered. In general it may be stated that this 
portion of the Mongolian Plateau is formed by 
an extensive lava-flow (or flows), traversed by 
dykes of granite and quartz, the last occurring 
with less frequency than the others. Whether 
these dykes are of an older date than the basalt it 
is not easy to say. 
Topographically the area beyond the steep 
ascent of the Han-nor-pa pass consists of very 
slightly undulating plains of a uniform altitude 
(about 4,000 feet), bounded or traversed by small 
ranges of low, rocky, partially grass-covered hills. 
The extremities of these are frequently joined 
by almost imperceptible ridges. Sometimes they 
end in abrupt cliffs, but most often they slope 
gently into the plain. In the valleys there are 
usually shallow lagoons of varying sizes; while 
occasionally permanent streams of clear, sweet 
water wind through very clayey soil. The soil 
round the lagoons is also very argillaceous. 
The ascent of the Han-nor-pa pass is through 
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