Flow variation and circulation process of saline springs in the Nangqen Basin, Tibetan Plateau

Jibin Han; Jianping Wang; Hongkui Ma; Yongshou Li; Zhao An; Yong Xiao; Wenhua Han; Huaide Cheng; Haizhou Ma; Hongchen Jiang

doi:10.1007/s12583-024-0086-0

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Journal of Earth Science > 2025 > Accepted Manuscript

Jibin Han, Jianping Wang, Hongkui Ma, Yongshou Li, Zhao An, Yong Xiao, Wenhua Han, Huaide Cheng, Haizhou Ma, Hongchen Jiang. Flow variation and circulation process of saline springs in the Nangqen Basin, Tibetan Plateau. Journal of Earth Science. doi: 10.1007/s12583-024-0086-0

Citation:

Jibin Han, Jianping Wang, Hongkui Ma, Yongshou Li, Zhao An, Yong Xiao, Wenhua Han, Huaide Cheng, Haizhou Ma, Hongchen Jiang. Flow variation and circulation process of saline springs in the Nangqen Basin, Tibetan Plateau. Journal of Earth Science. doi: 10.1007/s12583-024-0086-0

Citation:

Jibin Han, Jianping Wang, Hongkui Ma, Yongshou Li, Zhao An, Yong Xiao, Wenhua Han, Huaide Cheng, Haizhou Ma, Hongchen Jiang. Flow variation and circulation process of saline springs in the Nangqen Basin, Tibetan Plateau. Journal of Earth Science. doi: 10.1007/s12583-024-0086-0

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Flow variation and circulation process of saline springs in the Nangqen Basin, Tibetan Plateau

doi: 10.1007/s12583-024-0086-0

1. Key Laboratory of Green and High-end Utilization of Salt Lake Resources, Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai 810008, China;
2. Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Geology and Environment of Salt Lakes, Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai 810008, China;
3. State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China;
4. Qinghai Geological Survey, Xining, Qinghai 810000, China;
5. Faculty of Geosciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 611756, China

Funds:

This study was supported by the funds for National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 42007169, U20A2088)

The Natural Science Foundation of Qinghai Province (Grant No. 2020-ZJ-932Q) and supported by the Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research Program (STEP), Grant (No. 2019QZKK0805-02).

Available Online: 04 Jan 2025

Abstract

Abstract

There was limited knowledge about the flow fluctuations and cycling processes of saline springs in the Nangqen Basin in the Sanjiang tectonic zone. In this work, the flow variation of the saline springs during the wet and dry seasons were monitored using volumetric and cross-sectional methods, and the cycling process of the saline springs was quantitatively identified using the integrated hydrochemical and isotopic methods. The results show that most saline springs in the Nangqen Basin had significantly different flow rates, ion concentrations, and TDS concentrations. The ions mainly come from carbonate and sulfate minerals. There is no internal hydraulic connection between these saline springs, and the impact of seasonal changes on the flow is relatively small, indicating that the saline springs originate mainly from deep circulation. The recharge elevation of the saline springs ranges 3661–4990 m, with an average of 4100 m. The circulation depth of the saline springs ranges 240–570 m, with an average of 431 m. The recycle time ranges 1.15–30.86 years, with an average of 15.66 years. These results could provide a scientific basis for the development and utilization of saline spring resources in the Nangqen Basin.
- Flow monitoring,
- Saline spring,
- Cycling process,
- Nangqen Basin,
- Tibetan Plateau

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References(68)

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Flow variation and circulation process of saline springs in the Nangqen Basin, Tibetan Plateau

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Flow variation and circulation process of saline springs in the Nangqen Basin, Tibetan Plateau

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