Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Hydrogeochemical Characteristics of Earthquake-Related varied-temperature Springs along the Eastern Kunlun Fault Zone, China

Chao Lu
,
Xiaocheng Zhou
* ORCID logo ,
Jiyi Jiang
* ,
Jingchao Li
,
Jing Li
,
Jing Wu
,
Xiaoyi Zhu
,
Jiang Li
,
Gaoyuan Xing
,
Shihan Cui
Version 1 : Received: 18 March 2024 / Approved: 18 March 2024 / Online: 19 March 2024 (08:53:36 CET)

A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.

Lu, C.; Zhou, X.; Jiang, J.; Li, J.; Li, J.; Wu, J.; Zhu, X.; Li, J.; Xing, G.; Cui, S. The Hydrogeochemistry of and Earthquake-Related Chemical Variations in the Springs along the Eastern Kunlun Fault Zone, China. Water 2024, 16, 1215. Lu, C.; Zhou, X.; Jiang, J.; Li, J.; Li, J.; Wu, J.; Zhu, X.; Li, J.; Xing, G.; Cui, S. The Hydrogeochemistry of and Earthquake-Related Chemical Variations in the Springs along the Eastern Kunlun Fault Zone, China. Water 2024, 16, 1215.

Abstract

The Eastern Kunlun Fault Zone (EKFZ) is located in a seismic blank area. This study investigates the hydrogeochemical characteristics of varied-temperature springs in the EKFZ to understand the relationship between fractures, fluids and earthquakes. It aids in establishing their induction mechanisms and assists in monitoring the earthquake precursors of the EKFZ. In this study, the main elements, trace elements, hydrogen and oxygen isotopes and strontium isotopes of 23 varied-temperature springs in the EKFZ were analyzed. The results reveal the source of groundwater recharge, hydrochemical types, mineral saturation, and for a select few springs indicative of geothermal activity, collected geothermal reservoir temperatures. The study also explores the relationship between earthquakes and springs, identifying sensitive chemical indicators. Based on continuous monitoring at Maqu Station, we found that before the occurrence of the Maerkang Ms 6.0 earthquake, the concentration of Cl− rose by 2.9 times, and 46 days before the Gande earthquake (Ms = 4.7), the concentrations of Na+ and SO42− significantly increased. Finally, a conceptual model of the hydrogeochemistry of springs is presented to describe the groundwater circulation in the study area. This research is of great significance for the analysis of fluid geochemistry in this area and for assessing the seismic hazards of the EKFZ.

Keywords

varied-temperature water; hydrogeochemistry; isotopes; seismic precursor; Eastern Kunlun Fault

Subject

Environmental and Earth Sciences, Other

Copyright: This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

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