Abstract:

Using the remote sensing image of ETM+ data, this paper carried out the scale 1∶250,000 hydrogeology investigation of Wenquan sheet in Karakoram Range. The vital interpreting indexes were adequately identified on the basis of the image of various geological units, combined with comparison of the previous field investigation researches. Accordingly, the primary visual interpretations to major sediments, geomorphology and water system were studied and the scale 1∶250,000 RS interpretation map of Cenozoic strata was obtained. Moreover, the genetic type and distribution of Quaternary sediments, geomorphologic characteristics and hydrogeology signs, i.e. rivers, lakes, spring spots, groundwater overflow zones, wetlands and so on, were discussed respectively. The different forming environments of the groundwater resources reveal that the systems have two types, i.e. the alluvium and diluvium groundwater of river vale in the south and the flowsin lake basin groundwater in the north. The alluvium and diluvium groundwater system has better reserve condition, and the supplement of water resources is abundant，so that its groundwater and surface water resources constitute a unified system; but the flowin lake basin area mostly consists of lacustrinefacies sediments and is affected by the weather, so the groundwater resources are indigence except the giant several alluvialpluvial sediment fans with enough groundwater resources. The results indicate that the remote sensing technique is efficient and lowcost in hydrogeological investigation of plateau region, and it can play an important role in regional hydrogeological mapping in Tibetan Plateau.

Key words: remote sensing, Cenozoic stratum, Quaternary sediment, hydrogeological investigation, Wenquan region of Karakoram Range