In granite, where is water primarily stored?

Prepare for the NGWA Exam with customized flashcards and comprehensive multiple choice questions. Each question is paired with hints and detailed explanations to optimize learning. Ace your groundwater exam efficiently!

Water in granite is primarily stored in the crevices and interstitial spaces due to the rock's crystalline structure. Granite is an igneous rock composed mainly of quartz, feldspar, and mica, which creates a solid and sturdy formation with limited porosity. The water primarily resides in the tiny fractures, cracks, and micro-pores found throughout the granite. This is where groundwater can accumulate, albeit typically in smaller quantities than in more porous materials like sandstone or limestone.

Unlike sedimentary rocks that may have more extensive pore spaces for significant water storage, granite's storage capacity relies on the interconnectedness of these crevices. This geological context highlights why the other options, which suggest large open caves or surface storage, do not apply to granite's water storage capabilities. Caves are more characteristic of soluble rocks such as limestone, and surface water is not stored within the granite itself. Moreover, air pockets above the granite do not represent an effective storage mechanism for water within the rock. Hence, crevices and interstitial spaces truly serve as the main reservoirs for groundwater in granite formations.

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