Hydrologic processes in the different landscape zones of Mafengou River basin in the alpine cold region during the melting period

SummaryHydrologic processes of glacier, snow, frozen soil, groundwater, surface water and precipitation have always been the common concern of hydrologists. The purpose of this study is to identify the hydrologic processes in different landscape zones, based on the isotopic and hydrochemical analysis of glacier, snow, frozen soil and groundwater. The chemical compositions were characterized by Ca–HCO3 in the glacier snow zone, Mg–Ca–SO4–HCO3 in the alpine cold desert zone, Ca–Mg–HCO3 in the marsh meadow zone, Ca–Mg–HCO3 in the alpine shrub zone, and Na–Ca–SO4 in the mountain grassland zone. The end-member mixing model was employed for hydrograph separation. The results showed that during the melting period Mafengou River water was recharged by glacier–snow melt water about 34%, thawed frozen soil water in each of the landscape zones about 12%, and groundwater about 54%. This study suggested that Mafengou River water during the melting period was mainly recharged by glacier–snow melt water, groundwater and thawed frozen soil water.

► We identify the hydrological processes in different landscape zones. ► River water was recharged by glacier–snow 34%, frozen soil 12%, groundwater 54%. ► River water was recharged by groundwater, glacier–snow and frozen soil water. ► Groundwater was originated from the infiltration of glacier–snow and frozen soil.