Hydrochemistry and geochemical facies of the groundwater, Plain of Bekaa

The geochemical study of the groundwater in the Bekaa Plain shows a calco-magnesian, bicarbonate facies, with saturation in calcite and dolomite, with a weak mineralization and low electric conductivity. The carbonate formations (calcite and dolomite) constitute the groundwater reservoirs in the Bekaa Plain. Groundwater recharge occurs at high altitudes and originates from rain falling on the high mountains that surround the Bekaa to the east and west. There is dissolution of gypseous formations, the mineralization occurring in open system (when the aquifer is exposed directly to atmospheric CO(2)); thus, the biogenic CO(2) plays an important role in the mineralization.