Abstract: In this paper,the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of floating dust was analyzed from the 30 years' floating dust data at 22 weather stations around the Tarim Basin and a short-term data observed at 4 stations in the hinterland of the Taklimakan Desert.The results show:(1) the annual mean days with floating dust is more than 40 days around the Tarim Basin,and more than 80 days in the Taklimakan Desert,which is the highest value in China.For example,the annual mean days with floating dust is 232 days in Hotan,having the maximum value of 304 days in 1985.(2) the most of floating dusts concentrates in Spring and Summer,it accounts for 72.6% of annual total amount.(3) the floating dusts have generally decreased since 1980's,except for Hotan,Kashgar,and Luntai.The paper also discussed the reasons of floating dust formation,and has clarified the effects of floating dusts on environment and human being,and has given some suggestions against floating dust disasters.

Key words: Tarim Basin, Distribution of floating dusts, Effects on environment