Hydro-chemical evolution of groundwater in a sequence of Tertiary Formations in Northwest Oman

Tertiary Formations, which are widely spread in the Arab Peninsula, are fundamental to the oil industry in the world’s largest oil producing area. These formations host major aquifers that satisfy water demands for oil production such as steam injection and reservoir pressure maintenance. The current study investigates the hydro-chemical evolution of groundwater in a sequence of Tertiary Formations in Northwest Oman in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates borders. Stable isotopes (¹⁸O and ²H) show three different groundwater types: (1) groundwater formed from precipitation originating from the Mediterranean Sea, (2) groundwater formed from mixing of northern (Mediterranean) and southern (Indian Ocean) moisture sources, and (3) groundwater affected by evaporation. Radiogenic isotopes ¹⁴C and ³H indicate younger groundwater close to the recharge source in North Oman Mountains and older age in the plain desert area that constitutes the discharge zone. Groundwater chemistry notably evolves from Ca–Mg–HCO₃ dominant in the recharge area to Na–Cl–SO₄ dominant type in the discharge zone. Water–rock interaction is the main process controlling groundwater chemistry in the recharge zone while evaporation becomes progressively effective down the gradient. The geochemistry and stable and radiogenic isotopes of the Tertiary Formations indicate that the study area has witnessed wet periods during the Early Holocene with surface water bodies formed by groundwater discharge at distal parts. The sustainability of such old groundwater that is being exploited for oil production should be thoroughly investigated to secure future oil production.