Ground ice at depths in the Tianshuihai Lake basin on the western Qinghai-Tibet Plateau: An indication of permafrost evolution

The stable-isotope data of ground ice from a deep borehole (~46 m) at the Tianshuihai (TSH) lake basin on the northwestern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) are presented together with cryolithological information. Remarkable variations in the stable isotope composition of ground ice at depths allow a division of five clearly delineated stages. The remarkable deviations in stable isotopes of ground ice during each stage underline different initial source water and formation processes, indicating considerable fluctuations in paleo-lake conditions and multiple patterns of climatic-induced permafrost evolutions. In combination with the ground ice isotopes for two deep boreholes on the interior QTP, the position of the present permafrost table is found at 2-3 m. Two possible positions of paleo-permafrost tables at depths of 7–8 and 15–16 m are identified based on the ice isotopic composition of wellbores in combination with those from the other two deep boreholes on the interior QTP. The high uniformity in stable isotopic composition of ground ice below the depth of 16 m may have reflected the consistent regional climate transitions and the resultant permafrost evolution on the QTP. This study provides some new insights on the ground ice as an indicator for permafrost evolution on the QTP. [Display omitted] •A long sequence (~46m) of stable isotopes in ground ice and cryolithology at depths on Western QTP are firstly presented.•The evolution of permafrost and ground ice was controlled by paleo-lake condition and climate.•One modern permafrost table and two paleo-permafrost tables are identified on the QTP.•The ground ice at depths is effective to indicate the permafrost evolution and regional climate transition.