Groundwater Hydrology MCQ with answer and solution

Concept

Definition of impermeable geological formation

Formula

NONE

Step-by-step solution

1. Geological formations are categorized based on their ability to store and transmit groundwater. 2. An aquiclude contains large amounts of water due to high porosity, but is virtually impermeable to flow due to low permeability. 3. Therefore, a geological formation that is essentially impermeable to water flow is an aquiclude. Answer: B

Explanation

An aquiclude is a geological formation that contains significant amounts of water but is essentially impermeable to its movement, such as clay layers. It prevents water from transmitting through it in usable quantities despite holding water within its pores. In contrast, an aquifer transmits water readily, while an aquifuge neither holds nor transmits water.

Why the other options are wrong

A) An aquifer is a porous and permeable formation that readily absorbs and transmits water. C) An aquitard is semi-permeable and permits water flow at a very slow rate. D) An aquifuge contains no interconnected pores and can neither store nor transmit water, whereas an aquiclude may store water but is impermeable.

Shortcut

Aquiclude holds water but is essentially impermeable to flow.

Common mistake

Confusing Aquiclude, which contains water but is impermeable, with Aquifuge, which is neither porous nor permeable.