Genesis of multi–source mixed geothermal fluids in the eastern Tibetan Plateau
4 affiliations
- 1College of Engineering, Tibet University, Lhasa 850000, Xizang, China
- 2Faculty of Geosciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 611756, Sichuan Province, China
- 3Yibin Research Institute, Southwest Jiaotong University, Yibin 644000, Sichuan Province, China
- 4Geothermal and Geological Party, Tibet Bureau of Mineral Resource Exploration and Development, Lhasa 850000, Xizang, China
Abstract
Geothermal activity is exceptionally intense in plate convergence zones. The formation of multi–source mixed geothermal fluids (MSGF) is strongly facilitated by the upwelling of high–temperature molten material and complex fault networks. However, the current understanding of the evolution and genesis of the MSGF remains limited. The eastern Tibetan Plateau (ETP) is characterized by intense tectonic activity associated with subduction and hosts abundant hydrothermal activity, making it a natural laboratory for studying MSGF. Utilizing newly collected hydrochemical (major ions and trace elements) and isotopic ( δ D and δ 18 O) data from 38 thermal springs, this study reveals the genesis of the MSGF under geodynamic constraints. The results indicate that the MSGF originate from snow–melt and meteoric waters (3162–5400 m), which infiltrate along faults to depths of 3.1–7.7 km and are stored in granitic reservoirs. During the upward circulation of the MSGF, water–rock interaction (contributing 51.4%–89.9%) dominates the hydrochemical evolution, involving silicate and carbonate dissolution as well as mixing with cold water. Magmatic fluid input (1.2%–29.7%) constitutes the secondary control, driving enrichment of conservative elements (Cl, Li, and B). Additionally, processes such as the dissolution of geothermal gases (CO 2 and H 2 S), redox reactions (involving As), and ion exchange also influence the geochemical characteristics of the MSGF. Due to the combined effects of high–temperature magmatic fluid mixing and radiogenic heat from granites, the estimated initial temperature of the MSGF can reach 281 °C. Notably, plate subduction drives a counterclockwise return flow of deep–sourced melts. The Bangong–Nujiang suture (BNS), which extends into the asthenosphere, is thereby rendered a principal conduit for magmatic fluid ascent. This mechanism not only leads to geothermal anomalies on both sides of the BNS but also triggers more frequent seismic activity. These findings provide crucial insights into the mechanisms underlying MSGF genesis during plate convergence.
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BibTeX
@article{zhang2026genesis,
title = {{Genesis of multi–source mixed geothermal fluids in the eastern Tibetan Plateau}},
author = {Yunhui Zhang and Xingcheng Yuan and Changdong Yang and Yuankang Zhong and Peng Zhou and Gongxi Liu and Yue Wang and Hua Wu},
journal = {Geoscience Frontiers},
year = {2026},
month = jul,
doi = {10.1016/j.gsf.2026.102413},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gsf.2026.102413},
note = {CC BY-NC-ND},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Genesis of multi–source mixed geothermal fluids in the eastern Tibetan Plateau
AU - Yunhui Zhang
AU - Xingcheng Yuan
AU - Changdong Yang
AU - Yuankang Zhong
AU - Peng Zhou
AU - Gongxi Liu
AU - Yue Wang
AU - Hua Wu
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/07/21
JO - Geoscience Frontiers
DO - 10.1016/j.gsf.2026.102413
UR - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gsf.2026.102413
AB - Geothermal activity is exceptionally intense in plate convergence zones. The formation of multi–source mixed geothermal fluids (MSGF) is strongly facilitated by the upwelling of high–temperature molten material and complex fault networks. However, the current understanding of the evolution and genesis of the MSGF remains limited. The eastern Tibetan Plateau (ETP) is characterized by intense tectonic activity associated with subduction and hosts abundant hydrothermal activity, making it a natural laboratory for studying MSGF. Utilizing newly collected hydrochemical (major ions and trace elements) and isotopic ( δ D and δ 18 O) data from 38 thermal springs, this study reveals the genesis of the MSGF under geodynamic constraints. The results indicate that the MSGF originate from snow–melt and meteoric waters (3162–5400 m), which infiltrate along faults to depths of 3.1–7.7 km and are stored in granitic reservoirs. During the upward circulation of the MSGF, water–rock interaction (contributing 51.4%–89.9%) dominates the hydrochemical evolution, involving silicate and carbonate dissolution as well as mixing with cold water. Magmatic fluid input (1.2%–29.7%) constitutes the secondary control, driving enrichment of conservative elements (Cl, Li, and B). Additionally, processes such as the dissolution of geothermal gases (CO 2 and H 2 S), redox reactions (involving As), and ion exchange also influence the geochemical characteristics of the MSGF. Due to the combined effects of high–temperature magmatic fluid mixing and radiogenic heat from granites, the estimated initial temperature of the MSGF can reach 281 °C. Notably, plate subduction drives a counterclockwise return flow of deep–sourced melts. The Bangong–Nujiang suture (BNS), which extends into the asthenosphere, is thereby rendered a principal conduit for magmatic fluid ascent. This mechanism not only leads to geothermal anomalies on both sides of the BNS but also triggers more frequent seismic activity. These findings provide crucial insights into the mechanisms underlying MSGF genesis during plate convergence.
SN - 1674-9871
SN - 2588-9192
ER -