Geochemical characteristics of geothermal water in Weiyuan geothermal field, Huzhu County, Qinghai Province

Abstract

According to the chemical composition of thermal water from Geothermal Well DR2010 located in the Weiyuan Geothermal Field of Huzhu County in Qinghai Province, the groundwater recharge, age and geothermal resource potential of the thermal water are discussed by using the methods of Langelier-Ludwig Diagram, isotopic hydrology and geochemical thermometric scale. The analysis results indicate that the Weiyuan Geothermal Field is located in the northern fringe of Xining Basin, where the geothermal water, compared with that located in the central area of Xining Basin, is characterized by greater water yield, shallower buried depth of thermal reservoir and easier exploitation. Due to its active exchange with the modern cold water, the thermal water here shows relatively younger age. These findings provide a hydro-geochemical evidence for the exploitation of Weiyuan Geothermal Field.