Hydrogeology of Geothermal Water Sources in Lebanon as an Alternative Energy Source

Naturally, Lebanon’s water resources are sufficient to cope with the demand. There are many aspects of these resources whether as surface or subsurface ones. However, the country is still witnessing a severe situation in its water sector, and water supply/demand is imbalanced. Lebanon is uniquely occupying all components of the typical water cycle including the geothermal water. Nevertheless, this aspect of water is still unexplored, and it is rarely mentioned. A number of observations and evidences existed in several localities. Till quite recent, no attention has been given to these resources, and their geological setting is still unidentified. The preliminary geological field surveys and wells’ observations and characteristics obtained by the author showed that the geothermal groundwater resources are mainly occurring at depth in the proximity of the basalt rocks. All evidences are promising and can assure the existence of geothermal groundwater in different localities in Lebanon. This chapter introduces a comprehensive hydrogeological assessment on the mechanism of storage of geothermal groundwater, and it assists in identifying the geologic controls which are helpful tools in exploring their origin, and thus giving insights into their economic exploitation in both the terrestrial and marine environments. The chapter aims to emphasize on this water resource upon which decision makers can put strategies of renewable energy investment notably that Lebanon is in great need for energy sources.