Presents original, innovative research from arid and semiarid regions, addressing geography, geology, pedology, hydrology, biology, ecology and meteorology. Explores the past, present and future of the natural and human landscapes in arid and semi-arid lands, especially those in Central Asia. Serves as a forum for discussion among researchers from different disciplines and regions
Focusing on the arid and semi-arid lands in Central Asia and the world at large, the journal discusses the dynamics of water, soil and land, organisms and climate along with the security and sustainable development of natural resources. The Journal of Arid Land is an international peer-reviewed journal co-sponsored by Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Science Press. It aims to meet the needs of researchers, students and practitioners in sustainable development and eco-environmental management, focusing on the arid and semi-arid lands in Central Asia and the world at large.

The Journal covers such topics as the dynamics of natural resources (including water, soil and land, organism and climate), the security and sustainable development of natural resources, and the environment and the ecology in arid and semi-arid lands, especially in Central Asia. Coverage also includes interactions between the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and lithosphere, and the relationship between these natural processes and human activities. Also discussed are patterns of geography, ecology and environment; ecological improvement and environmental protection; and regional responses and feedback mechanisms to global change. The Journal of Arid Land also presents reviews, brief communications, trends and book reviews of work on these topics.