Abstract: In this paper, the probability distribution, daily and annual variation of net radiation and its change under typical weather conditions were analyzed based on the fieldobserved data at Shangdunzi Gobi Experiment Station in Dunhuang during the period from December 2008 to December 2009. The results are as follows: (1) There was an obvious peak distribution of net radiation in the range of -100-0 W/m², and the average annual net radiation was 43.88 W/m²; (2) There was an obvious daily variation of net radiation, the net radiation was positive in daytime but negative at night, its maximum occurred at midday, and its minimum occurred at sunset. Seasonal difference of net radiation was obvious, the net radiation was the highest in summer and the lowest in winter; (3) Net radiation was quite different under different weather conditions including sunny, cloudy and sandstorm days.

Key words: Gobi, land surface process, sloar activity, net radiation, Dunhuang