Abstract: AE characteristics and classification of curves of total AE accounts versus applied stress for rock specimens from the North Tarim Basin during the whole process of loading are discussed in the paper.It is put forward that four methods can be used to determine the AE curve types of rocks.A statistical analysis of the results for rock samples collected from the wells and surfaces in the North Tarim Basin Oil Field shows the presence of "Ⅰ" and "Ⅲ" curve types of AE curves for sandstone and mudstone and "Ⅰ" type for dolomite,limestone and basalt in the area.