Geothermal System Elements and Genetic Mechanism of High-Temperature Geothermal Resources in the Changbai Mountain Area

The Changbai Mountain area, the largest Cenozoic intraplate volcanic field in eastern China, features abundant high-temperature hot springs and high geothermal potential. However, the genesis and aggregation patterns of its geothermal systems remain poorly understood. This study recalculates crustal and residual deep/mantle heat- flow components along a representative profile and synthesizes published geological, geophysical, geochemical, and geothermal evidence to characterize the main geothermal system elements, including caprock, reservoirs, water source, and migration pathways. Controlling factors are examined from three dimensions: deep dynamics, magmatic heat source, and fault characteristics. Results reveal a “Cold crust–Hot mantle” thermal structure. The heat-flow calculation indicates that crustal radiogenic heat contributes approximately 40% of the surface heat flow, implying a dominant deep heat contribution. The available evidence suggests the presence of potential hydrothermal reservoirs in carbonate and clastic rocks, possible HDR targets in deeper metamorphic rocks, and locally effective basaltic sealing units. Fault systems and meteoric recharge likely control fluid circulation. Geothermal systems are controlled by mantle upwelling and lithospheric thinning due to western Pacific Plate subduction, multi-source heat coupling, effective caprock sealing, and fault-controlled water–heat conduction. These results provide a conceptual framework for future geothermal exploration and testing. This study elucidates the aggregation patterns and genetic mechanisms, providing a theoretical basis for exploration and development.