Question

The correct order of hydraulic conductivity for the geologic formations is

• A. Aquifer $>$ Aquitard $>$ Aquiclude $>$ Aquifuge
• B. Aquifer $<$ Aquitard $<$ Aquiclude $<$ Aquifuge
• C. Aquitard $>$ Aquifer $>$ Aquifuge $>$ Aquiclude
• D. Aquifer $>$ Aquiclude $>$ Aquitard $>$ Aquifuge

Hint:

Remember the order from most permeable to least: Aquifer → Aquitard → Aquiclude → Aquifuge.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understand the four hydrogeologic units.
Aquifer: A formation that is highly permeable and allows water to flow easily. It has the highest hydraulic conductivity. Examples: sand, gravel. Aquitard: A layer with low permeability. It allows water to pass but only slowly. Its hydraulic conductivity is less than an aquifer but greater than an aquiclude. Example: clay-silt mixtures. Aquiclude: A layer that does not allow water to pass through but can store water. Its hydraulic conductivity is very low. Example: pure clay. Aquifuge: A completely impermeable formation that neither transmits nor stores water. It has the lowest hydraulic conductivity, ideally zero. Example: massive granite. Step 2: Arrange from highest to lowest hydraulic conductivity. \[ \text{Aquifer}>\text{Aquitard}>\text{Aquiclude}>\text{Aquifuge} \] Step 3: Match with the options.
This matches exactly with option (A).
Final Answer: (A)