To address the issue of seasonal water resource shortages in Nanchang City, a multi-system coupling socio-hydrology simulation method was proposed. This approach involves dynamically integrating a centralized socio-economic model with a distributed surface water groundwater numerical model to explore the intricate relationships between the socio-economic system, the surface water–groundwater integrated system, and the outcomes related to seasonal water resource shortages. Taking Nanchang City as an example, this study conducted research on the water resource supply and demand balance, as well as the groundwater emergency supply, using the multi-system coupling model. Three scenarios were established: status quo, developing, and water-saving. The results show that with the increasing total water demand of social and economic development, the severity of the water resource shortage will be most pronounced in 2030. The minimum water resources supply and demand ratios for the status quo, developing, and water-saving scenarios are projected to be 0.68, 0.52, and 0.77, respectively. To meet residents’ water needs during drought conditions, emergency groundwater supply efforts are investigated. According to the simulation results, groundwater emergency supply would increase the total population by 24.0 thousand, 49.4 thousand, and 11.2 thousand people, respectively, in the status quo, developing, and water-saving scenarios. In the water-saving scenario, the Youkou and Xiebu water sources can serve as suitable emergency water sources. In the status quo scenario, the Youkou water source is the most viable emergency water source. However, in the developing scenario, relying solely on any single water source for emergency supply could have an irreversible impact on the aquifer. Therefore, considering the simultaneous use of multiple water sources is recommended, as it can fulfill water demands while ensuring the sustainable utilization of groundwater resources.

The Gonghe Basin, situated on the northeastern margin of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, is a strike-slip pull-apart basin that has garnered considerable attention for its abundant high-temperature geothermal resources. However, as it is located far from the Himalayan geothermal belt, research on the geothermal resources in the Gonghe Basin has mainly focused on the heat source mechanism, with less attention given to the distribution and resource potential of hot dry rock. In this project, a comprehensive approach combining geological surveys, geophysical exploration, geochemical investigations, and deep drilling was employed to analyze the stratigraphic structure and lithological composition of the Gonghe Basin, establish a basin-scale three-dimensional geological model, and identify the lithological composition and geological structures within the basin. The model revealed that the target reservoirs of hot dry rock in the Gonghe Basin exhibit a half-graben undulation pattern, with burial depths decreasing from west to east and reaching a maximum depth of around 7000 m. Furthermore, the distribution of the temperature field in the area was determined, and the influence of temperature on rock density and specific heat was investigated to infer the thermal properties of the deep reservoirs. The Qiabuqia region, situated in the central-eastern part of the basin, was identified as a highly favorable target area for hot dry rock exploration and development. The volume method was used to evaluate the potential of hot dry rock resources in the Gonghe Basin, which was estimated to be approximately 4.90 × 10²² J, equivalent to 1.67 × 10¹² t of standard coal, at depths of up to 10 km.

This study systematically investigates natural radioactivity in groundwater from the densely populated eastern Gonghe Basin in Qinghai Province, aiming to reveal its spatial distribution, origins, and potential health risks. The characteristics of gross-α and gross-β activities, as well as the concentrations of nuclide including ²³⁸U, ²³²Th, and ²²⁶Ra, have been investigated in groundwater samples from 12 groups encompassing various types such as hot springs and artesian wells across different aquifer systems. Correlation analysis and dose estimation models were applied to preliminary estimate the radiation exposure to local residents and to explore the genesis and hazards of natural radioactivity in groundwater. Results indicate that overall groundwater radioactivity in the Gonghe Basin remains within acceptable limits, with mean gross-α and gross-β activity concentrations of 0.32 Bq/L and 0.27 Bq/L, respectively. Approximately 83.33% of samples comply with relevant national standards. However, two fault-controlled high-temperature spring samples exhibited gross-α activity exceeding regulatory limits, with one also showing elevated gross-β activity surpassing China's Class III groundwater quality standards for radioactivity. Furthermore, single-radionuclide α radioactivity from ²³⁰Th, ²²⁶Ra, ²¹⁰Po, and ²³²Th exceeded regulatory thresholds in some samples, suggesting potential long-term health risks. While most samples complied with effective dose limits, four showed ²¹⁰Po α radioactivity exceedances within controllable risk ranges. The findings suggest that groundwater radioactivity in the region is primarily controlled by geological structures, lithology, and hydrothermal conditions, with fault zones and high-temperature environments serving as key factors in radionuclide enrichment. This research provides scientific foundation for the sustainable development of geothermal resources and the prevention of radioactive water contamination. Continuous monitoring of high-radioactivity hot springs and prudent resource utilization are recommended.