Question

The characteristics of aquitards differ from aquifers mainly by

• A. Zero porosity
• B. Low permeability
• C. No storage
• D. High compressibility

Hint:

Groundwater formations: \[ \boxed{ \begin{aligned} \text{Aquifer} &\rightarrow \text{High permeability}\\ \text{Aquitard} &\rightarrow \text{Low permeability}\\ \text{Aquiclude} &\rightarrow \text{Nearly impermeable} \end{aligned} } \]

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Recall what an aquitard is.
An aquitard is a geological layer that does hold groundwater but only lets it move through very slowly.
Step 2: Compare it with an aquifer.
An aquifer readily yields water to a well because it is highly permeable, while an aquitard's defining trait is exactly the opposite, its low permeability, even though it may still have decent porosity and storage.
Step 3: Rule out the other descriptions.
Aquitards are not defined by zero porosity, complete lack of storage, or high compressibility; those simply are not the property that separates them from aquifers.
\[ \boxed{\text{Low permeability}} \]