ABSTRACT The Kangding geothermal area presents a promising potential for the development and exploitation of geothermal resources. However, the understanding of the hydrogeochemical genesis and geothermal scaling potential remains limited. In this study, water samples from 18 geothermal wells and 4 hot springs were collected within north (ZG) and south (YL) of Kangding geothermal area. The major ion concentrations, hydrogen–oxygen isotopes and strontium isotopes were analysed. The hydrochemistry of the geothermal water is predominantly of the Na–HCO 3 (ZG) and Na–HCO 3 –Cl (YL) types. The δ D and δ 18 O isotope signatures suggest that the recharge of the geothermal water originates from snow and ice meltwater and local meteoric precipitation, whereas YL also has magmatic water. The dissolution of siliciclastic and carbonatitic rocks and reverse cation exchange during the upwelling process contributes to the water–rock interactions of the geothermal water. There are two thermal reservoirs and a deep reservoir primarily composed of granite (YL), whereas a shallow reservoir is dominated by sand slate (ZG). The geothermal system in Kangding exhibits significant carbonate scaling, posing a substantial challenge to the development and utilization of geothermal resources. The investigation of hydrogeochemical genesis and scaling potential is crucial for guiding the efficient development and utilization of geothermal resources.
Wang et al. (Mon,) studied this question.