New insights into water cycle in permafrost region of northern Greater Khingan Mountains, China

This study investigated the influence of precipitation and temperature on the runoff and forest growth in the northern Greater Khingan Mountains of China through the hydrology, hydrochemistry and remote sensing methods. The rivers were found to be recharged not only by precipitation, but also by subpermafrost groundwater through water balance calculation and the relationships between precipitation, temperature and runoff. The stable isotope compositions of the river and groundwater more depleted than local precipitation indicating the great contribution of subpermafrost groundwater to runoff. Participation of subpermafrost groundwater makes the forest-permafrost water cycle in the northern Greater Khingan Mountains unique.