Which describes an underground layer of porous and permeable rock that holds water?
A: aquifer
B: deposit
C: reservoir
D: subsidence
A: aquifer
The correct answer is A: aquifer.
The correct answer is A: aquifer.
To find the answer to this question, you would need some basic knowledge about geological formations and the water cycle. Here's an explanation of each term to help you understand why the correct answer is aquifer:
A) Aquifer: An aquifer is an underground layer of porous and permeable rock, such as sand, gravel, or limestone, that can hold and transmit water. Groundwater can flow through the spaces in the rock, making it accessible for wells and springs.
B) Deposit: A deposit refers to the accumulation or concentration of minerals or other substances in a specific location, often resulting from geological processes. While groundwater might interact with various deposits, it does not specifically describe an underground layer that holds water.
C) Reservoir: A reservoir is a natural or artificial storage area for water, typically formed by the construction of a dam. While a reservoir can store water, it is not an underground layer of rock specifically designed to hold water.
D) Subsidence: Subsidence is the sinking or settling of the ground surface due to various factors, such as the extraction of groundwater, mining activities, or natural processes. Although it can impact the stability of aquifers, it does not describe the layer of rock itself.
In summary, from the given options, aquifer is the term that specifically describes an underground layer of porous and permeable rock that holds and transmits water.