Consider the following statements : Statement I : Clay layers are poor aquifers. Statement I : The inter-particle space of clay minerals is the least. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Statement I is true as clay layers are considered poor aquifers, often classified as aquitards or aquicludes due to their low permeability [3]. While clay has high porosity, its ability to transmit water is extremely low because the individual grains are very fine, typically less than 0.002 mm in diameter [5]. Statement II is also true and provides the correct explanation; the inter-particle spaces (pores) in clay minerals are the smallest among soil types [2]. These micropores are so narrow and poorly interconnected that water is held by molecular attraction, obstructing flow [4]. Consequently, while clay can store water, it cannot yield it effectively, making it a poor aquifer material compared to coarser sediments like sand or gravel [5].

Sources

1. [3] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 6: Soils > Soil Texture > p. 2
2. [5] https://ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in/geop16/chapter/factors-affecting-ground-water/
3. [2] Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: Weathering, Mass Movement and Groundwater > WELLS > p. 44
4. [1] Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 7: Heat Transfer in Nature > Table 7.5: Seepage of water > p. 100
5. [4] https://old.mu.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/S0124-S.Y.B.Sc_.-Semester-IV-Choice-Base-S2184-Geology-Paper-III-33124.pdf