Abstract:Lithium, boron, potassium, and other strategic critical minerals hold irreplaceable positions in the global energy transition and high-tech fields. However, the mechanisms of multi-element co-enrichment in deep-sea salt lakes and the driving factors of their dynamic changes still lack systematic research. The Longmu Co salt lake in Tibet, as a typical high-altitude deep-sea salt lake, provides an ideal carrier for revealing the above mechanisms with its brine characteristics enriched in lithium (Li), boron (B), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), and cesium (Cs). This study, through 2×2 Km grid sampling and the establishment of a hydro-climate model, analyzes the spatial distribution, vertical differentiation, and driving factors of the dynamic changes of LiCl, B2O3, KCl in the surface brine of Longmu Co salt lake in 2024, as well as the dynamic changes of LiCl, B2O3, KCl from 2009 to 2024. The results show that in 2024, the average concentrations of LiCl, B2O3, and KCl in the brine of Longmu Co salt lake were 609.57 mg/L, 441.44 mg/L, and 5.12 g/L, respectively. The vertical differentiation was significant, with the deep layer (>30 m) having a 9.39% higher LiCl content than the surface layer (0–10 m). Rb2O and Cs2O were enriched synchronously, with the main influencing factors being the blocking effect of the thermocline and the anoxic environment. On the plane, the eastern part of the salt lake formed high-value areas of LiCl and KCl due to evaporation concentration, while the northwestern part had lower concentrations due to the dilution effect of spring water (with an average annual flow rate of 3.41 m3/s). The differentiation of Rb2O and Cs2O was dominated by the adsorption of clay minerals and hydrothermal input. The distribution of resource elements in Longmu Co salt lake is driven by the triple coupling of "high-altitude extreme climate - tectonic plate - hydrothermal activity." The vertical differentiation is influenced by physical barriers, while the planar differentiation is controlled by hydrological and topographical differences. From 2009 to 2024, the content of LiCl decreased by 22.35%, KCl decreased by 24.81%, and B2O3 decreased by 28.83%. The main influencing factors were glacier melting, spring input, and precipitation recharge. The multi-element co-enrichment mechanism of Longmu Co salt lake provides a scientific basis for the efficient development of salt lake resources in Tibet and has important strategic significance for alleviating China"s dependence on imported lithium resources.