What defines an aquifer?

An aquifer is defined as a body of permeable rock that can store and transmit groundwater. This means that the rock has spaces or pores that allow water to flow through it, making it possible to access and extract groundwater. Aquifers are crucial for providing fresh water for drinking, irrigation, and industrial uses.

The ability of the rock to hold and move water is what distinguishes aquifers from other geological formations, which may not have the same combination of permeability and storage capability. The presence of permeable rock allows for the replenishment of groundwater through rainfall and surface water infiltration, highlighting the significance of aquifers in the hydrological cycle.