American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Permeable deposits directly overlying a sand and gravel aquifer could be considered?

1. A watershed.

2. A confined aquifer.

3. A tertiary recharge area.

4. A primary recharge area.

The correct answer is: A primary recharge area.

The choice of primary recharge area is correct because permeable deposits that directly overlie a sand and gravel aquifer allow for the infiltration of water from precipitation or surface sources. This means they facilitate the movement of water into the aquifer, replenishing it. In hydrology, a primary recharge area is characterized by its ability to transmit water to an aquifer, which is essential for maintaining groundwater supplies. The context helps clarify why the other options do not apply properly. A watershed encompasses the land area that drains into a particular water body and is not specifically focused on how water reaches an aquifer. A confined aquifer is one that is situated between layers of impermeable rock, preventing direct recharge from the surface. Lastly, while a tertiary recharge area does exist, it typically refers to areas that provide additional recharge after primary and secondary processes, which would not match the function of permeable deposits situated directly above an aquifer.