Abstract: In the Tarim River Basin the climate conditions, especially the water and heat conditions, and the geomorphic characteristics are the predominant controlling factors in the formation and differentiation of its vegetative ecology, soil environment and water environment. The interrelationship and inter restriction of major environmental elements lead to differences in spatial and temporal distribution of the ecological environment in the Tarim River Basin, which shows different degrees of fragility. The general manifestation is in the form of a desertification dominated ecological environmental problem that is deteriorating with each passing day and embodied in land desertification, soil salinization, grassland degradation, and loss in biodiversity. It is advised to apply RS, GIS and other hi tech means in monitoring changes in the ecological environment and to explore mechanisms for maintaining stability of the ecological system. 

Key words: characteristic analysis, ecological environment, fragility, stability, Tarim River Basin