Shale is a relatively impermeable type of rock, while sandstone is permeable to water. In some areas, the ground is made of mostly sandstone with a layer of shale deep underground. Groundwater can seep into the layers of sandstone and be stored above the layers of shale. At a fault line, rock layers are often shifted, sometimes causing layers of shale to reach the surface.

Question

Based on this information, what conclusion can be made about groundwater?
A.
Plate movement creates groundwater reservoirs by breaking impermeable rock layers into permeable rock.
B.
Geologic processes increase the amount of groundwater over time by causing shale layers to sink deeper underground.
C.
Tectonic activity can cause the amount of groundwater to differ by changing the position of impermeable rock layers.
D.
Groundwater is most abundant near faults and least abundant in the middle of tectonic plates.

Answer 1

The conclusion that can be drawn based on the provided information is:

C. Tectonic activity can cause the amount of groundwater to differ by changing the position of impermeable rock layers.

This statement reflects how tectonic movements, such as those that create fault lines, can shift rock layers, including impermeable shale, which in turn affects the storage and flow of groundwater in permeable layers like sandstone.