Question

Which one of the following correctly defines aquiclude?

• A. A saturated formation of earth material which not only stores water but also yields it in sufficient quantity.
• B. A formation through which only seepage is possible and thus the yield is insignificant compared to an aquifer.
• C. A geological formation which is neither porous nor permeable.
• D. A geological formation which is essentially impermeable to the flow of water.

Answer 1

The correct option is D A geological formation which is essentially impermeable to the flow of water.

Aquifer is a saturated formation of earth material which not only stores water but also yields it in sufficient quantity. e.g. unconsolidated deposits of sand and gravel.
Aquitard is a formation through which only seepage is possible and thus the yield is insignificant compared to an aquifer e.g. sandy clay unit.
Aquifuge is a geological formation which is neither porous nor permeable e.g. massive compact rock without any fracture.
Aquiclude is geological formation which is essentially impermeable to the flow of water although it may contain large amounts of water due to its high porosity e.g. clay
So in terms of yield, Aquifer > Aquitard > Aquiclude > Aquifuge.