What is NOT true about aquifers?

What is NOT true about aquifers?

• A. Artesian wells cannot be drilled directly into an aquifer due to the tremendous water pressure
• B. Groundwater moves slowly through underground rock and soil
• C. Aquifers store large amounts of water
• D. Aquifers can be naturally recharged by precipitation

Answer: (A)

A key idea is that groundwater in aquifers can be under pressure when it’s in a confined layer. Artesian wells happen precisely because a confined aquifer traps water under pressure; when you drill into it, the pressurized water can rise up the borehole and may reach the surface without pumping. So saying artesian wells cannot be drilled into an aquifer because of the pressure isn’t accurate—the pressure is what makes artesian flow possible, not a barrier to drilling. The other statements are true: groundwater moves slowly through underground rock and soil, which is why aquifers have long timescales for flow; aquifers store large amounts of water, acting as natural reservoirs; and they can be naturally recharged by precipitation that infiltrates down to replenish the stored groundwater.

A key idea is that groundwater in aquifers can be under pressure when it’s in a confined layer. Artesian wells happen precisely because a confined aquifer traps water under pressure; when you drill into it, the pressurized water can rise up the borehole and may reach the surface without pumping. So saying artesian wells cannot be drilled into an aquifer because of the pressure isn’t accurate—the pressure is what makes artesian flow possible, not a barrier to drilling.

The other statements are true: groundwater moves slowly through underground rock and soil, which is why aquifers have long timescales for flow; aquifers store large amounts of water, acting as natural reservoirs; and they can be naturally recharged by precipitation that infiltrates down to replenish the stored groundwater.