Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) Secondary Integrated Science Practice test

Which of the following describes aquifers?

1. Layers of impermeable rock shaped by weathering

2. Layers of permeable rock or materials that hold water

3. Surface water drainage systems

4. Artificial reservoirs created by dams

The correct answer is: Layers of permeable rock or materials that hold water

Aquifers are defined as layers of permeable rock or materials that have the capacity to hold water. This characteristic is essential as it allows for the storage and movement of groundwater through the spaces in the rock or soil. In geological terms, permeable materials are those that can transmit water, enabling the aquifer to supply wells and springs that can be tapped for human and environmental use. The ability to store and transmit water makes aquifers a critical resource for drinking water and irrigation. The other choices describe different geological or hydrological features. Weathered rock layers that are impermeable do not allow water to move through them, which is why they do not represent aquifers. Surface water drainage systems refer to the infrastructure designed for managing surface water, and artificial reservoirs created by dams are constructed bodies of water rather than natural groundwater sources. Thus, the description of aquifers as layers of permeable rock or materials that hold water accurately captures their essential function and importance within the hydrological cycle.