At first, there is no obvious connection between a cementitious waste repository and the springs occuring in the desert of Oman. On considering the chemistry, however, the link becomes apparent.

Proposed repository designs, particularly for low/intermediate radioactive level waste and toxic waste, contain large amounts of cement and concrete. The major characteristics of such a cementicious environment are its hyperalkalinity and chemically reducing conditions.

In the bizarre geochemical conditions found in Oman, groundwaters occur naturally which are remarkably similar to the porewaters expected to permeate a closed repository for much of its life.

The strongly alkaline water of the springs of Oman absorb carbon dioxide from the air, precipitating carbonate