Abstract: Based on the measured data of groundwater level from the observation wells, this paper analyzes the temporal and spatial characteristics and affecting factors of groundwater level change in Karamay agricultural development region in the Junggar Basin. The results show that groundwater level in the study area was continuously raised during the period of 1997-2009. There was a direct relationship between the raise of groundwater level and the irrigation period in the study area. Groundwater depth was gradually raised from the northwestern marginal zone to the northeastern marginal zone of the basin. As a result, many centers with high groundwater level were formed. As the increase of both the number and extent of the centers of groundwater level raise, these areas may be connected. The effect of precipitation and temperature change on the dynamic change of groundwater depth was not significant, and it is considered that the increase of irrigation volume and recycled water were the main factors resulting in groundwater level raise. In order to control groundwater level, prevent soil salinization and promote sustainable development in the agriculture development region, it is essential to develop watersaving irrigation technique and work out a rational irrigation quota.

Key words: groundwater, spatio-temporal change, water-saving irrigation, oasis, Karamay City, the Junggar Basin, Xinjiang