The distribution patterns and enrichment mechanisms of lithium, rubidium, and cesium in the hot springs of the Bukatage Mountains, Hoh Xil

Researchers have uncovered distinct distribution patterns and enrichment mechanisms for lithium, rubidium, and cesium in the hot springs of the Bukatage Mountains, Qinghai Hoh Xil. The study reveals that these elements exhibit high and low concentration characteristics, with high values being 2-3 orders of magnitude greater than low ones, increasing from the mountain slope to the foot. High concentrations are attributed to deep geothermal water, while low concentrations in steam vents stem from shallow groundwater heated by geothermal steam. Stable isotope analysis (δD and δ18O) indicates that hot spring waters originate from magmatic water, atmospheric precipitation, and shallow groundwater, undergoing mixing during ascent. The enrichment process is governed by multiple factors including deep magmatic water-rock reactions, high-temperature shallow groundwater weathering, and surface evaporation. These findings advance the theoretical understanding of rare metal enrichment mechanisms in geothermal systems.

ZhenYuan, Z., FanCui, K., JianPing, W., JinChao, Z., ZhanChang, L., YingKui, Y., HuiYang, S., ShaoJun, L.,. (2025). The distribution patterns and enrichment mechanisms of lithium, rubidium, and cesium in the hot springs of the Bukatage Mountains, Hoh Xil. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 41(3), 983–994. https://doi.org/10.18654/1000-0569/2025.03.14