Hydrochemistry and formation of shallow-buried brines in the Bankog Co Salt Lake, Xizang

Wenjie LI; Xing LI; Qingkuan LI; Qingsong ZHANG; Qishun FAN; Tianyuan CHEN; Chuntao ZHAO; Yongsheng DU; Yu WEI

doi:10.1007/s00343-025-5187-9

Your Location：

Home >

Browse articles >

Hydrochemistry and formation of shallow-buried brines in the Bankog Co Salt Lake, Xizang

Updated：2026-05-07

- Hydrochemistry and formation of shallow-buried brines in the Bankog Co Salt Lake, Xizang
- Hydrochemistry and formation of shallow-buried brines in the Bankog Co Salt Lake, Xizang
- 海洋湖沼学报(英文) 2026年页码：1-15
- Affiliations：
  
  1.Key Laboratory of Green and High-end Utilization of Salt Lake Resources, Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810008, China
  2.Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Geology and Environment of Salt Lakes, Xining 810008, China
  3.University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
  4.Sichuan Mineral Resources Exploration Group Co., Ltd., Chengdu 610051, China
- Author bio：
  
  86014787@qq.com
  liqingkuan@isl.ac.cn
- Funds：
  
  the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDA0430104);the National Natural Science Foundation of China(U22A20573);the Technological Innovation Research Project from Sichuan Natural Resources Investment Group Co., Ltd
- DOI：10.1007/s00343-025-5187-9
  中图分类号：
- 收稿：2025-05-31，
  
  修回：2025-08-19，
  
  网络首发：2026-05-07，
- Accepted：
Scan QR Code
Wenjie LI, Xing LI, Qingkuan LI, 等. Hydrochemistry and formation of shallow-buried brines in the Bankog Co Salt Lake, Xizang[J/OL]. 海洋湖沼学报(英文), 2026,1-15.

LI Wenjie,LI Xing,LI Qingkuan,et al.Hydrochemistry and formation of shallow-buried brines in the Bankog Co Salt Lake, Xizang[J].Journal of Oceanology and Limnology,
Wenjie LI, Xing LI, Qingkuan LI, 等. Hydrochemistry and formation of shallow-buried brines in the Bankog Co Salt Lake, Xizang[J/OL]. 海洋湖沼学报(英文), 2026,1-15. DOI： 10.1007/s00343-025-5187-9.

LI Wenjie,LI Xing,LI Qingkuan,et al.Hydrochemistry and formation of shallow-buried brines in the Bankog Co Salt Lake, Xizang[J].Journal of Oceanology and Limnology, DOI：.

摘要

Abstract

The shallow-buried brines in Bankog Co Salt Lake (BCSL) are characterized by high total dissolved solids (TDS) and K

Br concentrations

which is apparently different from the lake waters’

indicating great potential of exploitation. The hydrochemistry and formation of these shallow-buried brines are still mysterious. We collected 17 shallow-buried brine samples

and 4 lake brine samples from various locations in BCSL

and conducted elemental and D-O (deuterium

also known as heavy hydrogen and oxyge

n) isotopic analysis to clarify the solute sources and formation mechanisms of the shallow-buried brines. Results reveal that: (1) the shallow-buried brines are highly mineralized Na-Cl type brines

rich in Na

https://html.publish.founderss.cn/rc-pub/api/common/picture?pictureId=107364864&type=

https://html.publish.founderss.cn/rc-pub/api/common/picture?pictureId=107364900&type=

3.97933316

2.53999996

https://html.publish.founderss.cn/rc-pub/api/common/picture?pictureId=107364885&type=

https://html.publish.founderss.cn/rc-pub/api/common/picture?pictureId=107364914&type=

6.68866634

3.47133350

and

https://html.publish.founderss.cn/rc-pub/api/common/picture?pictureId=107364865&type=

https://html.publish.founderss.cn/rc-pub/api/common/picture?pictureId=107364901&type=

6.34999990

3.47133350

but poor in Ca

and Mg

. Concentrations of trace elements such as Li

and

https://html.publish.founderss.cn/rc-pub/api/common/picture?pictureId=107364886&type=

https://html.publish.founderss.cn/rc-pub/api/common/picture?pictureId=107364915&type=

4.23333359

2.45533323

are significantly higher than those in lake brines

and most exceed industrial mining thresholds; (2) the shallow-buried brines showed uneven spatial distribution

with high-concentration zones concentrated in the lake basin center and marginal areas significantly influenced by river dilution

providing spatial guidance for resource exploration and development; (3) D-O isotopes indicate that the brines originated from evaporated meteoric waters and possible mixing with surrounding recharge waters. Some shallow-buried brines exhibit relatively negative δ

O and positive δD values

reflecting the influence of regional massive carbonate sedimentation; (4) the shallow-buried brines formation experienced a complex

multi-stage hydrochemical process. The initial meteoric waters underwent evaporation and concentration

forming high-TDS brines dominated by Na

and

https://html.publish.founderss.cn/rc-pub/api/common/picture?pictureId=107364866&type=

https://html.publish.founderss.cn/rc-pub/api/common/picture?pictureId=107364902&type=

3.97933316

2.53999996

. Carbonate precipitation reduced Ca

and Mg

concentrations

while geothermal input contributed Li

and

https://html.publish.founderss.cn/rc-pub/api/common/picture?pictureId=107364887&type=

https://html.publish.founderss.cn/rc-pub/api/common/picture?pictureId=107364916&type=

4.23333359

2.45533323

. Halite and glauberite dissolution-precipitation regulated Na

https://html.publish.founderss.cn/rc-pub/api/common/picture?pictureId=107364867&type=

https://html.publish.founderss.cn/rc-pub/api/common/picture?pictureId=107364903&type=

3.97933316

2.53999996

and

https://html.publish.founderss.cn/rc-pub/api/common/picture?pictureId=107364865&type=

https://html.publish.founderss.cn/rc-pub/api/common/picture?pictureId=107364901&type=

6.34999990

3.47133350

proportions. Shallow-buried brines were genetically derived from lake brines and subsequently modified by post-burial processes including groundwater mixing and mineral reactions

developing distinctive geochemical signatures while preserving their genetic connections. This study demonstrated the distinct differences between shallow-buried brines and lake brines in salt lake systems

emphasized the roles of salt mineral dissolution and precipitation

water mixing

and burial in transforming chemical compositions of the shallow-buried brines

thereby advanced the understanding of their formation and evolution.

关键词

Keywords

references

Craig H . 1961 . Isotopic variations in meteoric waters . Science , 133 ( 3465 ): 1702 - 1362 , https://doi.org/10.1126/science.133.3465.1702 https://doi.org/10.1126/science.133.3465.1702 .

Cheng H D , Ma H Z , Tan H B et al . 2008 . Geochemical characteristics of bromide in potassium deposits: review and research perspectives . Bulletin of Mineralogy, Petrology and Geochemistry , 27 ( 4 ): 410 - 418 . (in Chinese with English abstract) . https://do 10.1016/S1872-5791(08)60056-1 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S1872-5791(08)60056-1

Horita J , Gat J R . 1989 . Deuterium in the Dead Sea: remeasurement and implications for the isotopic activity correction in brines . Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta , 53 ( 1 ): 131 - 133 , https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(89)90279-2 https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(89)90279-2 .

Jiang P W . 2020 . Distribution Characteristics of Boron Contents in Water and Surrounding Rock and Provenance Analysis of Boron-Rich Fluids in the North-Central Margin of Qaidam Basin . University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes), Xining , https://doi.org/10.27577/d.cnki.gqhyy.2020.000008. https://doi.org/10.27577/d.cnki.gqhyy.2020.000008. (in Chinese with English abstract)

Jiang T M , Ji L M , Cheng H D et al . 2021 . Algae mineralization experiment and genetic analysis of hydromagnesite in Bangor Lake, Xizang (Tibet) . Geological Review , 67 ( 6 ): 1709 - 1726 , https://doi.org/10.16509/j.georeview.2021.09.011. https://doi.org/10.16509/j.georeview.2021.09.011. (in Chinese with English abstract)

Kapp P , Yin A , Harrison T M et al . 2005 . Cretaceous-Tertiary shortening, basin development, and volcanism in central Tibet . GSA Bulletin , 117 ( 7-8 ): 865 - 878 , https://doi.org/10.1130/B25595.1 https://doi.org/10.1130/B25595.1 .

Kim S T , O'Neil J R , Hillaire-Marcel C et al . 2007 . Oxygen isotope fractionation between synthetic aragonite and water: influence of temperature and Mg 2+ concentration . Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta , 71 ( 19 ): 4704 - 4715 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2007.04.019 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2007.04.019 .

Li B K . 2022 . Material Source, Migration Process and Formation Model of Boron-Rich Salt Lake in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau . University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes), Xining , https://doi.org/10.27577/d.cnki.gqhyy.2022.000001. https://doi.org/10.27577/d.cnki.gqhyy.2022.000001. (in Chinese with English abstract) .

Li B K , He M Y , Ma H Z et al . 2022 . Boron isotope geochemistry of Bangor Co Salt Lake (central Tibet): implications for boron origin and uneven mixing of lake water . Acta Geochimica , 41 ( 5 ): 731 - 740 , https://doi.org/10.1007/s11631-022-00542-1 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11631-022-00542-1 .

Li S Q , Ye C Y , Zhao Y Y . 2024 . Analysis of inter-monthly variation and driving factors of water level fluctuation in Bankog Co, a Lithium-Rich Salt Lake, central Tibetan Plateau . Acta Geoscientica Sinica , 45 ( 5 ): 691 - 705 , https://doi.org/10.12119/j.yhyj.202401005. https://doi.org/10.12119/j.yhyj.202401005. (in Chinese with English abstract)

Li S Q , Ye C Y , Zhao Y Y et al . 2025 . Quantitative estimation of Li, Rb, Cs sources and its metallogenic significance in the brine lithium deposits in the Tibetan Plateau: a case study of Dangxiong Co . Acta Petrologica Sinica , 41 ( 3 ): 995 - 1013 , https://doi.org/10.18654/1000-0569/2025.03.15. https://doi.org/10.18654/1000-0569/2025.03.15. (in Chinese with English abstract)

Liu C L , Yu X C , Yuan X Y et al . 2021a . Characteristics, distribution regularity and formation model of brine-type Li deposits in salt lakes in the world . Acta Geologica Sinica , 95 ( 7 ): 2009 - 2029 , https://doi.org/10.19762/j.cnki.dizhixuebao.2021230. https://doi.org/10.19762/j.cnki.dizhixuebao.2021230. (in Chinese with English abstract)

Liu K , Ke L H , Wang J D et al . 2021b . Ongoing drainage reorganization driven by rapid lake growths on the Tibetan Plateau . Geophysical Research Letters , 48 ( 24 ): e2021 GL 095795 , https://doi.org/10.1029/2021GL095795 https://doi.org/10.1029/2021GL095795 .

Liu M L , Zheng A T , Shang J B et al . 2023 . Progress in study of boron geochemistry in high temperature geothermal fluids . Earth Science , 48 ( 3 ): 878 - 893 , https://doi.org/10.3799/dqkx.2022.235. https://doi.org/10.3799/dqkx.2022.235. (in Chinese with English abstract)

Lü P , Qu Y G , Li Q W et al . 2003 . Shelincuo and Bangecuo extensional lake basins in the northern part of Tibet and present chasmic activities . Jilin Geology , 22 ( 2 ): 15 - 19 , https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-2427.2003.02.002. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-2427.2003.02.002. (in Chinese with English abstract)

Niu X S , Liu X F , Lü Y Y et al . 2023 . Origin mechanism of thermal springs and their supply of minerals to the salt lake (Li-Rb-Cs) in the Tangqung Co watershed of Tibet . Geology in China , 50 ( 4 ): 1163 - 1175 , https://doi.org/10.12029/gc20220527001. https://doi.org/10.12029/gc20220527001. (in Chinese with English abstract)

Shi Z W , Tan H B , Xue F et al . 2024 . Hydrochemical evolution and source mechanisms governing the unusual lithium and boron enrichment in salt lakes of northern Tibet . GSA Bulletin , 136 ( 11-12 ): 5174 - 5190 , https://doi.org/10.1130/B37516.1 https://doi.org/10.1130/B37516.1 .

Stewart M K . 1974 . Hydrogen and oxygen isotope fractionation during crystallization of mirabilite and ice . Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta , 38 ( 1 ): 167 - 172 , https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(74)90201-4 https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(74)90201-4 .

Taylor H P . 1974 . The application of oxygen and hydrogen isotope studies to problems of hydrothermal alteration and ore deposition . Economic Geology , 69 ( 6 ): 843 - 883 , https://doi.org/10.2113/gsecongeo.69.6.843 https://doi.org/10.2113/gsecongeo.69.6.843 .

Tibet Zhongxin Investment Co. , Ltd . 2024 . Report on resource reserve verification of magnesite, lithium-boron-potassium mineral resources in Bankog Co Salt Lake, Bange County, Tibet Autonomous Region . Unpublished internal report . (in Chinese with English abstract)

Wang C G , Zheng M P , Zhang X F et al . 2020 . Geothermal-type lithium resources in Southern Tibetan Plateau . Science & Technology Review , 38 ( 15 ): 24 - 36 , https://doi.org/10.3981/j.issn.1000-7857.2020.15.003. https://doi.org/10.3981/j.issn.1000-7857.2020.15.003. (in Chinese with English abstract)

Yan L J , Zheng M P , Wei L J . 2016 . Change of the lakes in Tibetan Plateau and its response to climate in the past forty years . Earth Science Frontiers , 23 ( 4 ): 310 - 323 , https://doi.org/10.13745/j.esf.2016.04.027. https://doi.org/10.13745/j.esf.2016.04.027. (in Chinese with English abstract)

Yang J L , Li X , Lü D et al . 2025 . Hydrological changes and their effects on the enrichment of boron andlithium resources in Selin Co-Bangor Co . Journal of Salt Lake Research, published OnlineFirst , September 2025 , https://doi.org/10.3724/j.yhyj.2025016. https://doi.org/10.3724/j.yhyj.2025016. (in Chinese with English abstract)

Yang Y H , Weng B S , Yan D H et al . 2021 . Tracing potential water sources of the Nagqu River using stable isotopes. Journal of Hydrology : Regional Studies , 34 : 100807 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejrh.2021.100807 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejrh.2021.100807 .

Yin A , Harrison T M . 2000 . Geologic evolution of the Himalayan-Tibetan orogen . Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences , 28 : 211 - 280 , https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.earth.28.1.211 https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.earth.28.1.211 .

Yu H X , Li Q K , Du Y S et al . 2024 . Distribution characteristics and possible sources of bromine in salt lakes on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau . Journal of Lake Sciences , 36 ( 3 ): 827 - 835 , https://doi.org/10.18307/2024.0329. https://doi.org/10.18307/2024.0329. (in Chinese with English abstract)

Zhang P X . 1987 . Salt Lakes in Qaidam Basin . Science Press , Beijing , 235p . (in Chinese with English abstract)

Zhao G T , Du Y S , Wei H C et al . 2018 . Optically stimulated luminescence dating of paleo-shorelines of Bange Co, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and its implications for palaeo-environment . Journal of Salt Lake Research , 26 ( 3 ): 26 - 34 , https://doi.org/10.12119/j.yhyj.201802005. https://doi.org/10.12119/j.yhyj.201802005. (in Chinese with English abstract)

Zhao X T , Zhao Y Y , Zheng M P et al . 2011 . Late quaternary lake development and denivellation of Bankog Co as well as lake evolution of southeastern north Tibetan Plateau during the last great lake period . Acta Geoscientica Sinica , 32 ( 1 ): 13 - 26 , https://doi.org/10.3975/cagsb.2011.01.03. https://doi.org/10.3975/cagsb.2011.01.03. (in Chinese with English abstract)

Zhao Y Y , Zhao X T , Zheng M P et al . 2006 . The denivellation of Bankog Co in the past 50 years, Tibet . Acta Geologica Sinica , 80 ( 6 ): 876 - 884 , https://doi.org/10.3321/j.issn:0001-5717.2006.06.009. https://doi.org/10.3321/j.issn:0001-5717.2006.06.009. (in Chinese with English abstract)

Zheng M P , Liu X F . 2010 . Hydrochemistry and minerals assemblages of salt lakes in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China . Acta Geological Sinica , 84 ( 11 ): 1585 - 1600 , https://doi.org/10.19762/j.cnki.dizhixuebao.2010.11.005. https://doi.org/10.19762/j.cnki.dizhixuebao.2010.11.005. (in Chinese with English abstract)

Zheng M P , Liu X F . 2009 . Hydrochemistry of salt lakes of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China . Aquatic Geochemistry , 15 ( 3 ): 293 - 320 . https://doi.org/10.1007/s10498-008-9055-y. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10498-008-9055-y. (in Chinese with English abstract)

Zheng M P , Xiang J , Wei X J et al . 1989 . Saline Lakes on the Qinghai-Xizang (Tibet) Plateau . Beijing Science and Technology Publishing , Beijing . 411 p. (in Chinese)

Zheng M P , Zhang Y S , Liu X F et al . 2016 . Progress and prospects of salt lake research in China . Acta Geologica Sinica , 90 ( 9 ): 2123 - 2166 , https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.0001-5717.2016.09.004. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.0001-5717.2016.09.004. (in Chinese with English abstract)

Zheng X Y , Zhang M G , X C et al . 2002 . Records of Salt Lakes in China . Science Press , Beijing . 414 p. (in Chinese with English abstract)

Zhou J D , Li B K , He M Y et al . 2023 . Hydrochemical characteristics and sources of lithium in carbonate-type salt lake in Tibet . Sustainability , 15 ( 23 ): 16235 , https://doi.org/10.3390/su152316235 https://doi.org/10.3390/su152316235 .

浏览量

Downloads

CSCD

文章被引用时，请邮件提醒。

Submit

工具集

关联资源

Hydrochemical characteristics and the ecological effect of algal carbonic anhydrase in carbon cycle in the Taiyuan section of Fenhe River

Structure and formation of the South Yellow Sea water mass in the spring of 2007

Hydrochemistry of the meltwater streams on Fildes Peninsula, King George Island, Antarctica

Chemical and biological features of the saline Lake Krasnovishnevoye (Baraba, Russia) in comparison with Lake Malinovoe (Kulunda, Russia): a reconnaissance study