American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

A geologic unit capable of yielding usable amounts of water is referred to as?

1. Water supply.

2. Reservoir.

3. Aquifer.

4. Sand and gravel deposit.

The correct answer is: Aquifer.

The term that describes a geologic unit capable of yielding usable amounts of water is "aquifer." An aquifer is typically a permeable rock or sediment that can store and transmit significant quantities of groundwater, allowing it to be accessed through wells or springs. This ability to yield water is dependent on the porosity and permeability of the material that makes up the aquifer. Aquifers can be critical for water supply, especially in areas where surface water is scarce. They can vary in size and depth, and the health and sustainability of an aquifer are crucial for ensuring a reliable water source for drinking, irrigation, and other uses. In contrast, while "water supply" generally refers to the entire system of sources and infrastructure for providing water to users, it does not specifically denote a geologic unit. "Reservoir" typically describes an artificial or natural storage pond or lake used to collect and store water, rather than the geological characteristics that allow water to be naturally stored underground. "Sand and gravel deposit" refers to specific types of sediment that can be found in certain geologic formations, which may or may not contribute as aquifers depending on their characteristics. Thus, the most accurate term for a geologic unit that yields usable water is "aqu