Identification of origin and runoff of karst groundwater in the glacial lake area of the Jinsha River fault zone, China

Abstract

Karst groundwater plays important roles as a water supply and in sustaining the biodiversity and ecosystems of the eastern Qinghai–Xizang Plateau. Owing to the stratigraphic structure, high tectonic activity, and changeable climate of the region, the recharge source, runoff path, and dynamic characteristics of karst groundwater are highly complex, which poses challenges with regard to the protection of water resources and ecology. This study identified the origin and flow processes of karst groundwater in the glacial lake area of the Jinsha River fault zone using satellite remote sensing, hydrochemical and isotope analyses, and flow measurements. Results showed that active faults control the distribution of glacial lakes and the recharge, runoff, and discharge of karst groundwater. Glacial lake water is an important source of karst groundwater in the Jinsha River fault zone area. Specifically, glacial lake water continuously recharges the karst system via faults, fractures, and karst conduits, thereby maintaining the relative stability of karst spring flows. Through hierarchical cluster analysis, two main runoff conduits of karst water were distinguished: one along the Dingqu Fault and the other along the Eastern Zhairulong Fault, which together account for 59% of the total regional karst groundwater flow. The elevation difference between the recharge and discharge areas of the main karst springs is > 1000 m. Groundwater runoff is fast and residence time in the aquifer is short. The dissolution of calcite and dolomite mainly occurs during transit through the groundwater system, and cation exchange is weak. Therefore, the regional karst springs are predominantly HCO3−Ca·Mg type. To protect regional karst water resources and ecology, the monitoring and protection of glacial lakes should be strengthened.

A karst-inspired hierarchical Mg/Al layered double hydroxide with a high entropy-driven process for interception and storage

“…12,13 At the same time, groundwater is vital for supplying water and protecting biological diversity. 14…”

Study on the Influence of Mining Activities on the Quality of Deep Karst Groundwater Based on Multivariate Statistical Analysis and Hydrochemical Analysis

“…Karst area accounts for about 15.2% of the global land area, and is widely distributed in China [ 1 ], the United States [ 2 ], South Africa [ 3 ], Ireland [ 4 ], and many other countries in the world. About 25% of the world population depends on water from karst aquifers due to the large volume of water stored in these formations and excellent water quality [ 5 ].…”