Pattern analysis of a linear dune field on the northern margin of Qarhan Salt Lake,northwestern China

In terms of formation mechanisms of linear dunes,there are open arguments for their widespread distribution and multi-morphological diversities.In order to clarify the formation mechanism of linear dunes of Qarhan Salt Lake,we used pattern analysis method to analyze the statistical characteristics and spatial variation of their pattern parameters.Except at the west-northwest margin,the pattern parameters showed regular spatial variation from the up-middle part towards the downwind end of the dune field.Based on the cumulative probability plots for inter-crest spacing and crest length,we divided the linear dunes into three groups,which corresponding to the three evolution stages of these dunes.The first group comprises erosional relics,with shorter crests,smaller inter-crest spacing and more random dune orientation.The second group comprises dunes whose sand supply is just sufficient to maintain stability and these dunes are approaching the net erosion stage.The crest length and inter-crest spacing of these dunes are much larger than those of the first group,and dune orientation is closer to the resultant drift direction （RDD） .The last group comprises linear dunes that are still undergoing vertical accretion and longitudinal elongation,which follows the RDD of the modern wind regime.The presence of regular spatial variation of pattern parameters and a similar geometry with the vegetated linear dunes suggest that deposition and erosion coexist in the development and evolution of linear dunes of Qarhan Salt Lake,i.e.deposition predominates at the downwind end of linear dunes in the vertical accretion and longitudinal elongation stage,whereas erosion mainly occurs at the upwind end of linear dunes in the degradation stage.Therefore,the formation mechanism of linear dunes in Qarhan Salt Lake can be reasonably explained by the combination of depositional and erosional theories.

Geological characteristics and genesis of subbottom pinnoite deposit of Da Qaidam salt lake in Qaidam Basin

Da Qaidam salt lake is known for its both liquid and solid boron resource.Data from previous investigation of the Da Qaidam salt lake provided a comparable framework for this study that focused on investigating the section beneath the bottom of the perennial salt lake,including the timing,

Salt Lake in Chaidamu Basin

Chaidamu Basin(柴达木盆地) is in the west of China. It covers an area(地区) of 220,000 square kilometres(平方公里). The number of salt lakes(盐湖) is more than twenty in it. Chaerhan(察尔汗) Salt Lake is the largest in this area. If you get here, you will find that in the lake there is no water but a thick layer(层) of salt. You can walk in it without difficulty, and cars can come and go across it. The thickest layer of salt in this basin is about fifty metres thick. People tried their best to use the salt to build house...

Porosity Distribution Characteristics and Geological Analysis of Brine Storage Medium in the Qaidam Basin, Western China

Underground brine is an unusual water resource that contains abundant mineral resources. It is distributed widely in the Qaidam Basin, western China, a hyperarid inland basin located in the northern Tibetan Plateau. Pores in the brine storage medium act as storage space and transmission channels of underground brine. Therefore, the porosity of brine storage medium determines its ability to store brine. In this study, Mahai Salt Lake was used as the research area as a modern saline lake located in the north area of the Qaidam Basin. A total of 100 porosity samples were collected from eight sampling points in two profiles of the research area at sampling depths of 1.30–314.78 m. The porosity distribution characteristics and influencing factors in brine storage medium were analysed according to the measured porosity data. Based on analysis of the pore structure characteristics, the brine storage medium contains intercrystalline pores, unlike conventional freshwater storage mediums. Moreover, the primary salt rock is susceptible to dissolution by lighter brine, facilitating the formation of secondary porosity. Due to the formation of secondary pores, a porosity greater than 20% remains even at buried depths greater than 100 m. Based on the geological statistical analysis, due to the geographic location, salt formation time, and depositional environment, the porosity values of Mahai Salt Lake do not exhibit a wider distribution, but also show more extreme values than a nearby salt lake. Based on the porosity characteristics by depth, due to the presence of secondary pores, flooding, stratigraphic static pressure, and other factors, porosity shows fluctuations with increasing depth.