Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-552
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-552
10 Mar 2025
 | 10 Mar 2025

Spatial Variations in Groundwater-Surface Water Interactions at the Basin Scale of an Arid Region: Insights from Stable Isotopes and Hydrochemistry

Liheng Wang, Yuejia Sun, Chun Yang, and Yanhui Dong

Abstract. A comprehensive understanding of groundwater-surface water interaction patterns is crucial, particularly in arid regions of Central Asia, where typical river-groundwater systems are prevalent. In this study, 31 river water and groundwater samples were collected from the Shule River Basin (SRB) in Northwest China and analyzed for hydrochemical and stable isotopic characteristics to elucidate spatial variations in groundwater-surface water interactions. A notable finding is the significant negative correlation between the δ18O of river water and elevation, with a vertical lapse rate of 0.08 ‰/100 m, which is markedly lower than that observed in the adjacent Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Isotopic analysis indicates that groundwater recharges river water in the upper reaches, while river water recharges groundwater in the lower reaches, highlighting a basin-scale transformation in their relationship. Hydrochemical analysis reveals that river water has an average pH of 8.36 and a mean TDS of 649.93 mg/L, while groundwater shows an average pH of 7.65 and a mean TDS of 759.13 mg/L. Both river water and groundwater exhibit increasing TDS from upstream to downstream, transitioning from slightly hard to hard water, yet both are suitable for irrigation. The chemical composition of river water is primarily influenced by silicate and carbonate weathering, whereas groundwater chemistry is dominated by mineral dissolution and ion exchange processes. This study provides critical insights into basin-scale hydrological cycles in Central Asia’s arid regions, offering valuable guidance for the sustainable management of groundwater resources in semi-arid environments.

Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this paper. While Copernicus Publications makes every effort to include appropriate place names, the final responsibility lies with the authors. Views expressed in the text are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher.
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Journal article(s) based on this preprint

16 Sep 2025
Groundwater–surface water interactions across an arid river basin: spatial patterns revealed by stable isotopes and hydrochemistry
Liheng Wang, Yuejia Sun, Chun Yang, and Yanhui Dong
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 29, 4417–4436, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-4417-2025,https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-4417-2025, 2025
Short summary
Liheng Wang, Yuejia Sun, Chun Yang, and Yanhui Dong

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • CC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-552', Nima Zafarmomen, 11 Mar 2025
    • AC1: 'Reply on CC1', Yanhui Dong, 11 Apr 2025
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-552', Anonymous Referee #1, 06 Apr 2025
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC1', Yanhui Dong, 11 Apr 2025
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-552', Anonymous Referee #2, 13 Apr 2025
    • AC3: 'Reply on RC2', Yanhui Dong, 19 Apr 2025

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • CC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-552', Nima Zafarmomen, 11 Mar 2025
    • AC1: 'Reply on CC1', Yanhui Dong, 11 Apr 2025
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-552', Anonymous Referee #1, 06 Apr 2025
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC1', Yanhui Dong, 11 Apr 2025
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-552', Anonymous Referee #2, 13 Apr 2025
    • AC3: 'Reply on RC2', Yanhui Dong, 19 Apr 2025

Peer review completion

AR: Author's response | RR: Referee report | ED: Editor decision | EF: Editorial file upload
ED: Reconsider after major revisions (further review by editor and referees) (24 Apr 2025) by Heng Dai
AR by Yanhui Dong on behalf of the Authors (29 May 2025)  Author's response   Author's tracked changes   Manuscript 
ED: Referee Nomination & Report Request started (11 Jun 2025) by Heng Dai
RR by Anonymous Referee #2 (19 Jun 2025)
RR by Anonymous Referee #1 (27 Jun 2025)
ED: Publish subject to minor revisions (review by editor) (27 Jun 2025) by Heng Dai
AR by Yanhui Dong on behalf of the Authors (28 Jun 2025)  Author's response   Author's tracked changes   Manuscript 
ED: Publish as is (02 Jul 2025) by Heng Dai
AR by Yanhui Dong on behalf of the Authors (03 Jul 2025)  Manuscript 

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

16 Sep 2025
Groundwater–surface water interactions across an arid river basin: spatial patterns revealed by stable isotopes and hydrochemistry
Liheng Wang, Yuejia Sun, Chun Yang, and Yanhui Dong
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 29, 4417–4436, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-4417-2025,https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-4417-2025, 2025
Short summary
Liheng Wang, Yuejia Sun, Chun Yang, and Yanhui Dong
Liheng Wang, Yuejia Sun, Chun Yang, and Yanhui Dong

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Short summary
This study explores river-groundwater interactions in the Shule River Basin, Northwest China. We found that in the upper reaches, groundwater feeds into the river, while in the lower reaches, the river replenishes groundwater. The water chemistry remains suitable for irrigation. These findings offer crucial insights for managing water resources in semi-arid regions, particularly in the face of growing water scarcity and climate change challenges.
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