Abstract: The change of water area of the lakes in Xinjiang is an important indicator of climate change and disturbance of human activities. Based on the MODIS images, this paper analyzed the change of water area of 11 lakes with a water area larger than 100 km² in Xinjiang during the period from 2000 to 2011. Results showed that the interannual variation of the 11 lakes was observably distinct, their smallest total area (4 585 km²) occurred in 2001 and their largest one (5 277 km²) in 2003. Although the variation of water area of the lakes in Xinjiang was significant and frequent in recent years, the water area of many lakes was in an increase trend. Analysis from the aspects of altitudes and geographical locations revealed that the lakes over the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, such as the Ayakkum Lake, were expanded in recent years; the area of those in the mountainous regions, such as the Sayram Lake, was basically stable; the lakes in the debouchure oases, such as the Bosten Lake, were in a shrinkage; and the lakes in plains, such as the Ebinur Lake and Manas Lake, were extremely unstable. The apparent diversity of water area from different altitudes and regions was jointly affected by both natural factors and human activities. However, the change of water area was mainly affected by climate change in recent years.

Key words: lake, water area, MODIS data, climate change, Xinjiang