The researchers used satellite images from the late 1980s and 2000 to study sandy desertification in Inner Mongolia. They found that over two-thirds of the region is severely affected by sandy desertification. The distribution of sandy desertification follows a latitudinal pattern, with three distinct zones identified. The middle part of Inner Mongolia is experiencing rapid spread of sandy desertification, with over 22% of the land affected. From the late 1980s to 2000, there was a net increase of sandy desertification lands, with low to strong levels of sandy desertification all increasing significantly. This rapid spread of sandy desertification is a major threat to the region's economy and environment.