Abstract: The widely distributed deserts in Xinjiang are of complex origin and rich types. In order to come up with the desert classification map and obtain the area of each desert type, Xinjiang digital geomorphologic map, Landsat satellite TM data and GIS graphics as well as the long-term field investigation data and other related information, were used. According to the map, the law of distribution, structural characteristics and development of the deserts were expounded. Meanwhile, the problem of desert utilization and protection were discussed. Results and conclusions are as follows: (1) The Xinjiang deserts are characterized by horizontal zonality and vertical zonality, and are mainly distributed in the south of Xinjiang and the east of Turpan and Kumul Prefecture where a high degree of drought exists. The east desert area accounts for 45.86% and 91.77% of Xinjiang area and east Xinjiang, respectively. (2) The deserts are widely distributed in Xinjiang, with a total area of 1313688.38 km2 which account for 80.55 % of Xinjiang area. From the area of all classified deserts point of view, the desert with an area of 426844.74 km² is the largest one accounting for 32.49% of sandy desert areas, while the area of argillaceous desert is only 10638.5*10⁴ km² occupying 0.81% of the desert areas. (3) The desert types are various and their causes of formation are different from each other. In total, there are 11 types of deserts such as sandy desert, gravelly desert, saline desert, etc., which are mainly formed by a single factor or multiple factors including the climate, terrain, surficial substance, human impact and so on. (4) It happened during the evolution of a desert that the desert has been changed to a different desert type or having other surface features, due to the effect of natural environment changes and human impact. (5) The characteristics of desert types are different, so the rational utilization of desert resources, the protection of desert environment based on sensitivity zonality of desert degradation, and the adoption of specific protective measures to different desert types are necessary to safeguard the regional sustainable development.

Key words: desert, classification, characteristic, protection, Xingjiang