Abstract:This paper classified genetic types of modern lakes in the Hetao Plain by means of remote sensing interpretation and drilling on the basis of 1∶50000 regional geological mapping.In addition, sixteen lake water and groundwater samples were taken from piedmont,desert and the Yellow River.The hydrochemical characteristics of those samples were analyzed. Results showed that :Most of the modern lakes in Hetao Plain are fresh-brackish water lakes,which are Na-(Mg)-(Ca)-HCO3-(Cl) type.The others are saltwater lakes,which present a Na-(Mg)- (K)-Cl-(SO4) type.The TDS of lake water changes from 0.857g/l to 7.36g/l.The lakes mainly receive recharge from the piedmont groundwater and the irrigated water of the Yellow River;there are three main genetic types of lakes:Ⅰ.oxbow lake made by river,Ⅱ. wind-erosion lake on a base of ancient Yellow River alluvial sand layer,Ⅲ. wind-erosion lake on a base of Holocene aeolian sand layer,in which the typeⅡ is dominant.