What type of deep underground water reservoirs, accumulated during prehistoric pluvial periods, provide vital non-renewable water for agriculture in Saudi Arabia?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Fossil aquifers
- Step 1: Analyze hydrogeology: Millions of years ago during the Pleistocene epoch, high rainfall recharged deep sedimentary formations.
- Step 2: These deep groundwater reserves (such as the Saq, Wasia, and Biyadh formations) are known as fossil aquifers because they receive virtually no contemporary natural recharge.
Answer
Fossil aquifers.
Why not the others: 'Surface alluvial pans' hold shallow ephemeral runoff; 'Karst sinkholes' are localized limestone solution cavities; 'Permafrost' exists only in polar and subpolar zones.
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