Limestone is a highly permeable and very porous type of sedimentary rock. These properties of limestone mean that underground limestone deposits often function as aquifers that store underground water. As time passes, the pores of a given limestone aquifer will become larger as water erodes away the limestone as it passes through the pores. How does this impact the aquifer?

Question

A.
As time passes, the aquifer will be able to hold less water because the pores of the aquifer will be larger.
B.
As time passes, the aquifer will begin to shrink because the pores of the aquifer will take up more space.
C.
As time passes, the aquifer will start to expand as the pores of the aquifer push into the surrounding area.
D.
As time passes, the aquifer will be able to hold more water because the pores of the aquifer will be larger.

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

D. As time passes, the aquifer will be able to hold more water because the pores of the aquifer will be larger.

As the erosional processes continue to enlarge the pores within the limestone, this increases the overall volume of space available to store water, allowing the aquifer to hold more water over time.