Which can be excluded from the list of underground materials that holds water in the Ogallala aquifer?(1 point)

Responses

sand
sand

mineral
mineral

gravel
gravel

silt
silt

mineral

The mineral can be excluded from the list of underground materials that holds water in the Ogallala aquifer.

To determine which material can be excluded from the list of underground materials that holds water in the Ogallala aquifer, we need to understand the characteristics of the aquifer.

The Ogallala aquifer is a vast underground water source that stretches across several states in the central United States. It consists of various layers of sedimentary rocks, sands, gravels, and silt, which hold and transmit water.

Looking at the options given:

1. Sand: Sand is a common material found in aquifers. It consists of loose granular particles that allow water to flow through and can hold significant amounts of water. Therefore, sand is likely a part of the list of materials that holds water in the Ogallala aquifer.

2. Mineral: The term "mineral" is quite broad and encompasses various types of rocks and substances. Without further specification, it is challenging to determine whether a specific mineral holds water in the Ogallala aquifer or not. Therefore, we cannot exclude or include "mineral" from the list based on the information provided.

3. Gravel: Gravel is another common material found in aquifers. It generally consists of larger-sized particles compared to sand but still allows water to pass through. Gravel also has the capacity to store water. Therefore, gravel is likely included in the list of materials that hold water in the Ogallala aquifer.

4. Silt: Silt refers to fine particles that are smaller than sand but larger than clay. It can have a significant impact on the porosity and permeability of sedimentary formations. Silt can hold water, but its ability to transmit water can be limited compared to sand and gravel. Therefore, it is less likely to be included in the list of materials that hold water in the Ogallala aquifer.

Based on the provided information and considering the characteristics of the Ogallala aquifer, the material that can be excluded from the list is "silt."