Genesis of the Neogene Formation Waters in the Central Qaidam Basin: Clues from Hydrochemistry and Stable D–O–S–Sr Isotopes

Geological explorations have revealed plentiful Neogene formation waters in the anticlines in the central Qaidam Basin (QB). However, the hydrochemistry and origin of these waters are obscure. In this study, the hydrochemistry and D–O–S–Sr isotopes of these formation waters were determined to study their origin and evolution. The formation waters are enriched in Na–Ca–Cl, and depleted in Mg–K–SO4–HCO3 ions with elevated Li–B–Br–Sr elements. The D–O isotopes approve that the formation waters are originated from weak–evaporated meteoric waters, and experienced water–rock interactions. The ion comparisons and Caexcess–Nadeficit diagrams suggest that solute sources of these waters include the evaporite dissolution, water–rock interaction, minor residual lake brines. Bacterial sulfate reduction and water–rock interactions are supported by the high S–Sr isotopes. The enriched Li–B–Br–Sr concentrations of these waters are in accord with the high geochemical background values of the QB. The genesis of the formation waters can be concluded that meteoric waters from the southern Kunlun Mountains were discharged into the basin, weakly evaporated, and then infiltrated into the Neogene strata through the faults leaching the soluble ions and mixing with residual lake brines, and experienced water‐rock interactions and sulphate reduction process.