Analysis of the karst springs’ supply sources in rocky desertification area of Guanling–Huajiang, Guizhou, China

Abstract

The problem of karst rocky desertification caused by soil loss is very serious in some karst areas of southwest China. The cycle process of rainwater–surface water–underground water controls the direction and trend of soil surface loss and underground leakage in karst rocky desertification areas. In this paper, Guanling–Huajiang plateau canyon rocky desertification area is the study area, and the water chemistry and stable isotopic characteristics of the karst water system in the study area were obtained by field investigation, hydrochemical and isotopic analysis of sampling water. The hydrogeological environment and lithology of karst springs' supply stratum were analyzed, and the supply elevations of main karst springs were estimated. Finally, the supply direction and scope of the main karst springs in the study area were inferred. The results reflected the characteristics of the groundwater flowing direction and the supply law of karst springs, and provided a theoretical basis for future research on the trend of soil surface loss and underground leakage in karst rocky desertification areas.