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Climate change

Terminal Lakes in Arid Northwestern China Face Increasing Salinization

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Terminal lakes in arid northwestern China, including Lake Chaiwopu, are facing significant challenges due to climate change and intensive groundwater exploitation. This study, conducted by researchers from Xinjiang University, has shed light on the mechanisms of salinity accumulation in these lakes from 2008 to 2023. The research found that total dissolved solids (TDS) in lake water increased significantly over the study period, with notable seasonal variation. Groundwater TDS also rose substantially, alongside increases in sodium and chloride concentrations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that TDS in lake water increased from 4475 mg/L in 2008 to 21,500 mg/L in 2023, with notable seasonal variation.
  • Groundwater TDS rose significantly from 262 mg/L in 2008 to 568 mg/L in 2023, alongside substantial increases in Na (from 216.1 to 498.9 mg/L) and Cl (from 122.5 to 295.5 mg/L).
  • Isotopic enrichment in lake water (d¹ O up to 1.6 ) and a reduced slope of the local meteoric water line (from 6.86 to 5.83) indicate intensified evaporation.
  • Groundwater abstraction increased nearly fourfold from 2018 to 2022, lowering the water table by 3 m and reducing subsurface inflows, further exacerbating salinization.
  • Geochemical modeling reveals that evaporite dissolution and cation exchange are key processes contributing to the shift from Ca-HCO to Na-Cl/SO hydrochemical facies.
  • The study highlights the combined role of hydroclimatic factors and human-induced flow path modifications in accelerating lake salinization.

Statistics:

  • TDS in lake water increased by 3835 mg/L (85 %) from 2008 to 2023.
  • Groundwater TDS rose by 306 mg/L (117 %) from 2008 to 2023.
  • Sodium concentrations increased by 282 mg/L (131 %) from 2008 to 2023.
  • Chloride concentrations increased by 173 mg/L (141 %) from 2008 to 2023.

Sources:

  • Hydrochemical evolution and salinization dynamics in Lake Chaiwopu Basin (Arid NW China): Insights from multi-tracer and geochemical modeling. Water Research, 2025;289:124742.
  • Researchers from Xinjiang University Describe Findings in Science [Hydrochemical evolution and salinization dynamics in Lake Chaiwopu Basin (Arid NW China): Insights from multi-tracer and geochemical modeling]. China Weekly News. November 4, 2025; p 406.

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