Characteristics of Precipitation Stable Isotopes and Moisture Sources in the Qinghai Lake Basin

Yarong Chen, Xingyue Li, Ziwei Yang, Yuyu Ma and Kelong Chen ()
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Yarong Chen: College of Geographical Sciences, Qinghai Normal University, Xining 810008, China
Xingyue Li: College of Geographical Sciences, Qinghai Normal University, Xining 810008, China
Ziwei Yang: College of Geographical Sciences, Qinghai Normal University, Xining 810008, China
Yuyu Ma: College of Geographical Sciences, Qinghai Normal University, Xining 810008, China
Kelong Chen: College of Geographical Sciences, Qinghai Normal University, Xining 810008, China

Sustainability, 2026, vol. 18, issue 9, 1-18

Abstract: Against the background of a warming and humidifying climate on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, increasing attention has been paid to the sustainability of water resources and ecosystems in the Qinghai Lake Basin. Investigating the characteristics of precipitation stable isotopes and moisture sources provides critical insights into the driving mechanisms of the regional hydrological cycle. In this study, precipitation samples collected at the Qinghai Lake Wetland Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station from June 2023 to October 2024 were analyzed for hydrogen (δ 2 H) and oxygen (δ 18 O) stable isotopes. The temporal variations of δ 2 H, δ 18 O, and deuterium excess (d-excess) were characterized, and their relationships with air temperature and precipitation amount were examined. In addition, a backward trajectory model was employed to identify the moisture sources of precipitation during the observation period. The results indicate that: (1) precipitation stable isotopes and d-excess exhibit pronounced seasonal variability, characterized by enrichment in summer and depletion in spring and autumn; (2) the Local Meteoric Water Line (LMWL) for the basin is defined as δ 2 H = 8.15δ 18 O + 38.71 ( R 2 = 0.93), with both slope and intercept exceeding those of the Global Meteoric Water Line (GMWL); (3) precipitation isotopes show a discernible temperature effect but are jointly controlled by multiple moisture sources and meteorological factors; and (4) backward trajectory analysis combined with d-excess values reveals that precipitation moisture is primarily derived from westerly transport, while locally recycled moisture and continental air masses also exert significant influences. Overall, these findings reveal the multi-source driving mechanisms of the regional hydrological cycle and provide critical scientific support for understanding hydrological processes in alpine inland basins and their responses to future climate change, thereby contributing to the sustainable management of regional water resources.

Keywords: Qinghai Lake Basin; precipitation; hydrogen and oxygen stable isotopes; HYSPLIT backward trajectory; sustainability of water resources (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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