Crossword Genius

American sailor I abandon in largely barren Asian region (4,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

gobi desert

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'largely barren asian region' is the definition.
'Gobi Desert' can be an answer for 'region' (Gobi Desert is an example). I am not certain of the 'largely barren asian' bit.

'american sailor i abandon' is the wordplay.
'american sailor' becomes 'gob' (gob is a kind of sailor. I am not sure about the 'american' bit.).
'abandon' becomes 'desert' (synonyms).
'gob'+'i'+'desert'='GOBI DESERT'

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for gobi desert that I've seen before include "Arid Mongolian area" , "Mongolian wasteland" , "Asian wilderness" , "desolate landscape" , "Region of Central Asia" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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