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Seasonal Freezing Enhances Groundwater–Lake Connectivity and Nutrient Delivery in Saline Basins.

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Názov: Seasonal Freezing Enhances Groundwater–Lake Connectivity and Nutrient Delivery in Saline Basins.
Autori: Yu, Shengchao1 (AUTHOR), Zhang, Xiaolang2 (AUTHOR) xiaolangzhang@fau.edu, Geng, Xiaolong3,4 (AUTHOR)
Zdroj: Geophysical Research Letters. 11/28/2025, Vol. 52 Issue 22, p1-12. 12p.
Predmety: *GROUNDWATER, *BIOGEOCHEMISTRY, *EVAPORATION (Meteorology), *NUTRIENT uptake, *FREEZES (Meteorology), *ALKALI lands, *SALTWATER encroachment, *DESERTS
Geografický termín: BADAIN Jaran Desert (China)
Abstrakt: Seasonally frozen ground regulates groundwater–surface water interactions in saline lake basins, altering water balance, salinity gradients, and biogeochemical processes. Using density‐dependent reactive transport simulations in the Badain Jaran Desert, China, we evaluate how freeze–thaw cycles affect groundwater flow, salt dynamics, and nutrient fluxes under varying salinity conditions. Our results show that seasonal freezing suppresses evaporation and enhances down‐gradient groundwater flow, shifting the fresh–saline interface lakeward and limiting inland saltwater intrusion. During the cold season, both fresh and recirculated groundwater to lakes increase, offsetting evaporative losses and enhancing lake water storage. Simultaneously, nutrient fluxes to lakes intensify, reflecting enhanced mobilization from groundwater reservoirs. These findings emphasize the hydrogeological and biogeochemical significance of seasonal freezing in saline basins. Plain Language Summary: In regions where the ground freezes in cold seasons, the connection between groundwater and lakes changes dynamically. Frozen upper soil reduces evaporation and pushes groundwater toward lakes, increasing water inflow during cold seasons. Using computer simulations based on conditions in China's Badain Jaran Desert, we found that this freezing effect boosts winter groundwater discharge and delivers nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus to lakes. These nutrients are important for aquatic life and typically move slowly in cold conditions. Our results show that frozen ground actually strengthens the connection between groundwater and lakes during cold seasons, helping recharge lakes and transport nutrients. This mechanism could be important not only in desert regions, but also in Arctic and sub‐Arctic coasts and estuaries, where similar freezing and salinity conditions shape how water and solutes move between land and sea. Key Points: Seasonal freezing reduces evaporation and enhances down‐gradient groundwater flowFreeze–thaw cycles shift the fresh–saline interface shoreward, increasing groundwater discharge to lakesEnhanced winter groundwater discharge intensifies nutrient fluxes and sustains saline lake water storage [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Databáza: Academic Search Index
Popis
Abstrakt:Seasonally frozen ground regulates groundwater–surface water interactions in saline lake basins, altering water balance, salinity gradients, and biogeochemical processes. Using density‐dependent reactive transport simulations in the Badain Jaran Desert, China, we evaluate how freeze–thaw cycles affect groundwater flow, salt dynamics, and nutrient fluxes under varying salinity conditions. Our results show that seasonal freezing suppresses evaporation and enhances down‐gradient groundwater flow, shifting the fresh–saline interface lakeward and limiting inland saltwater intrusion. During the cold season, both fresh and recirculated groundwater to lakes increase, offsetting evaporative losses and enhancing lake water storage. Simultaneously, nutrient fluxes to lakes intensify, reflecting enhanced mobilization from groundwater reservoirs. These findings emphasize the hydrogeological and biogeochemical significance of seasonal freezing in saline basins. Plain Language Summary: In regions where the ground freezes in cold seasons, the connection between groundwater and lakes changes dynamically. Frozen upper soil reduces evaporation and pushes groundwater toward lakes, increasing water inflow during cold seasons. Using computer simulations based on conditions in China's Badain Jaran Desert, we found that this freezing effect boosts winter groundwater discharge and delivers nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus to lakes. These nutrients are important for aquatic life and typically move slowly in cold conditions. Our results show that frozen ground actually strengthens the connection between groundwater and lakes during cold seasons, helping recharge lakes and transport nutrients. This mechanism could be important not only in desert regions, but also in Arctic and sub‐Arctic coasts and estuaries, where similar freezing and salinity conditions shape how water and solutes move between land and sea. Key Points: Seasonal freezing reduces evaporation and enhances down‐gradient groundwater flowFreeze–thaw cycles shift the fresh–saline interface shoreward, increasing groundwater discharge to lakesEnhanced winter groundwater discharge intensifies nutrient fluxes and sustains saline lake water storage [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:00948276
DOI:10.1029/2025GL118495