A geological formation that contains water and is porous, but is practically impermeable and incapable of transmitting water in significant quantities to wells (such as an extensive solid clay layer) is classified as an:
Options:
(A) Aquifer
(B) Aquitard
(C) Aquiclude
(D) Aquifuge
Answer Key:
C
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
• An **aquiclude** is a saturated geological bed that has high porosity and holds water, but has extremely low hydraulic conductivity, preventing perceptible transmission of water under normal hydraulic gradients (e.g., clay).
• An aquitard transmits water at very slow rates (semi-pervious).
• An aquifuge is neither porous nor permeable (solid granite).