Flow Variations and Circulation Process of Saline Springs in the Nangqen Basin, Tibetan Plateau

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 variations 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 3 661–4 990 m a.s.l., with an average of 4 100 m a.s.l. The circulation depth of the saline springs ranges of 240–570 m, with an average of 431 m. The recycle time ranges of 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.

Keywords

flow monitoring / saline water / hydrochemistry / cycling process / Nangqen Basin / Tibetan Plateau

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