Question

Which of the following statements best describes the main difference between aquifers in Porous Materials and Fractured Rocks?

A) Aquifers in Porous Materials have no primary porosity, while Fractured Rocks have well-defined pores.
B) Aquifers in Porous Materials have primary porosity, while Fractured Rocks have no visible pores.
C) Aquifers in Porous Materials rely on fractures for water storage, while Fractured Rocks have well-defined pores.
D) Aquifers in Porous Materials have well-defined pores, while Fractured Rocks rely on fractures for water storage.

Answer 1

The main difference between aquifers in porous materials and fractured rocks is that aquifers in porous materials have well-defined pores, while fractured rocks rely on fractures for water storage.

Step-by-step explanation:

The main difference between aquifers in porous materials and fractured rocks is that aquifers in porous materials have well-defined pores, while fractured rocks rely on fractures for water storage.

Porosity refers to the open or void space within rocks, and it varies with rock type. Sedimentary rocks formed from well-sorted sediments tend to have high porosity, while rocks with tight interlocking crystals have low porosity. Aquifers in porous materials, such as sandstones, have abundant spaces between the grains, which results in well-defined pores that can store water. On the other hand, fractured rocks, like shale, lack well-defined pores and rely on fractures in the rock for water storage.