Structural Pest Control Applicator Practice Exam

An __________ is a geologic formation of permeable rock, sand or gravel that stores large amounts of water. What is the correct term?

1. Reservoir

2. Aquifer

3. Well

4. Cistern

The correct answer is: Aquifer

The correct term for a geologic formation of permeable rock, sand, or gravel that can store large amounts of water is "aquifer." Aquifers are vital components of the hydrological cycle and serve as crucial sources of fresh water for various uses, including drinking, irrigation, and industrial processes. They allow water to flow through them due to their porous nature, and the saturation of these formations is what makes them effective in storing significant volumes of groundwater. While reservoirs refer to artificial or natural lakes that hold water, and cisterns are storage tanks for rainwater or other water sources, neither of these terms specifically describes a geological formation. Additionally, wells are man-made structures constructed to access groundwater but do not denote the geological features themselves. Thus, "aquifer" is the most accurate term in this context.