What is an aquifer?

An aquifer is defined as a geological formation that can store and transmit water, typically consisting of porous rock, sand, or gravel that allows water to flow through. The correct choice highlights that an aquifer can be associated with sedimentary rocks, which often have the necessary characteristics to hold and transmit groundwater.

Sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation of mineral and organic particles and can create spaces or pores that store water. These formations can be essential sources of fresh water for drinking, irrigation, and industrial uses. Notably, aquifers are crucial to the hydrological cycle, providing water that can be accessed through wells or springs, making them invaluable in managing water resources.

The other options do not accurately describe an aquifer. A lake refers to a body of standing freshwater, while a river made of sediment doesn’t convey the idea of water storage in the geological sense. Likewise, a man-made reservoir is constructed to hold water, but it is not naturally occurring like an aquifer. Thus, the correct description of an aquifer aligns with the characteristics of sedimentary rocks and their ability to store groundwater.