Rocky desertification in the karst region is related to stratum and lithology,incising of river,soil ero- sion,gradient and human activities,etc.Effects of gradient on rocky desertification in the karst region was analyzed by taking Qingzhen City,Guizhou Province as an example.GIS technology was used for the analysis of spatial distribution of deserts and landform gradient based on correlation data of rocky desertification in Qingzhen City.It is found that the largest area and the greatest extent of rocky desertification are observed in the places with the highest gradient and the most intense human activities.The reverse case can be found in the places with smaller gradient and fewer human activities.Therefore,it is thought that the extent and distribution of rocky desertification are related to landform and gradient in the karst region.