Abstract
Studies based on basins or regional scales often ignore the uniqueness
of recycling moisture in mountain areas, and little effort has been made
to understand the impact of the local recycled moisture on precipitation
in mountain areas. We collected and analyzed a series of samples (stable
isotope of precipitation, soil water, plant water, runoff, and
groundwater) in the Qilian Mountains, northwest of China. Based on the
isotopic mixing model, the characteristics of recycled moisture in the
Qilian Mountains were assessed. The results showed that lateral
advection moisture is the primary source of precipitation
(83.5~98.38%). The contribution rate of recycled
moisture to precipitation was higher in spring, summer, and autumn
(2.05~16.5%), and lower in winter
(1.62~3.32%). The contribution of recycled moisture to
precipitation in the high-elevation areas (>2400m) was
higher than that in the foothills area (2300~2100m). The
contribution of vegetation evapotranspiration (fTr) to precipitation in
the east of Qilian Mountain was higher than that of the land surface
evaporation (fEv).