Abstract: Sandstorm is a frequently occurred disastrous weather in northern China and occurred frequently in recent years with increase in disaster-affected area and loss. West China is an important source place of sandstorms, and the marginal area of the Tarim Basin, Hexi Corridor and Alxa Plateau are three important standstorm centers. Sometimes sandstorm affected area is very extensive and Beijing was hit by eight sandstorm events in last spring and caused great loss in national economy. The combination of strong wind, exposed sandy soil on ground surface and unstable air current constitutes the necessary conditions for the sandstorms. However, the accelerated desertification process resulting from irrational human economic activities is responsible for the accelerated sandstorms. Facts proved that in places where desertification was well managed and controlled and eco environment was well protected, then sandstorm intensity reduced and loss mitigated. Otherwise, natural environment would be devastated, desertification expanded and sandstorm aggrevated, sandstorm has sounded a warning on ecology. Eco environment in western regions of China is very vulnerable, so to strengthen eco environmrntal protection and rehabilitation should be taken as a core issue and a pressing task. Efforts should be made to put prevention first and give priority to protectionso as to bring eco environment in west China to develop toward benign circulation and maintain sustainable development of these regions.

Key words: desertification, eco environmental protection, sandstorm, west China development