What is an aquifer?

What is an aquifer?

• A. Underground layer that holds water
• B. A surface water body
• C. A layer of rock that blocks water
• D. The atmosphere above a well

Answer: (A)

An aquifer is an underground layer of rock or sediment that holds groundwater in its pore spaces and allows water to move through it. Because it is saturated and permeable, it can supply water to wells. The upper surface of this saturated zone is the water table, and water enters the aquifer through recharge from rainfall and other surface sources. This is different from a surface water body like a lake or river, and from a layer that blocks water or the atmosphere above the ground.

An aquifer is an underground layer of rock or sediment that holds groundwater in its pore spaces and allows water to move through it. Because it is saturated and permeable, it can supply water to wells. The upper surface of this saturated zone is the water table, and water enters the aquifer through recharge from rainfall and other surface sources. This is different from a surface water body like a lake or river, and from a layer that blocks water or the atmosphere above the ground.