Research on the Genesis Mechanism of Hot Springs in the Middle Reaches of the Wenhe River

Geothermal clusters in the middle reaches of the Wenhe River, including key sites at Mount Taishan (Daidaoan), Culai Town (Qiaogou), and Feicheng (Anjiazhuang), are governed by distinct yet fault-controlled genetic mechanisms. The study reveals that while all areas share a dual groundwater recharge process—rapid infiltration through fissures and slow seepage with evaporative loss—their hydrochemical types and thermal reservoir temperatures vary significantly. Daidaoan exhibits lower temperatures (53.54–71.26 °C) typical of karst springs, whereas Qiaogou and Anjiazhuang display higher temperatures (up to 101.49 °C), characteristic of gravel or sandy shale springs. Isotope analysis further indicates recharge elevations ranging from 2865.76 to 4126.69 meters, with notable cold water mixing in shallow zones. This research advances the understanding of geothermal system dynamics in karst and sedimentary environments.

Xue, C., Xing, N., Gao, Z., Niu, Y., & Yang, D. (2025). Research on the Genesis Mechanism of Hot Springs in the Middle Reaches of the Wenhe River. Water, 17(16), 2431. https://doi.org/10.3390/w17162431