From which type of rocks is an abundant supply of groundwater typically yielded?

Sedimentary rocks are known to have significant porosity and permeability, making them excellent reservoirs for groundwater. This characteristic arises from the natural processes of sediment deposition, compaction, and cementation that create spaces, or pores, within the rock. The arrangement of particles in sedimentary rocks allows water to seep through and accumulate, resulting in substantial groundwater supplies. Examples of sedimentary rocks that often yield groundwater include sandstone, limestone, and shale.

In contrast, molten rocks, which refer to igneous rocks formed from cooled lava or magma, typically lack the porosity necessary for significant groundwater retention. Igneous rocks are usually dense and non-porous, making them less likely to store water. Metamorphic rocks, formed through heat and pressure from existing rocks, may also exhibit limited porosity depending on their composition and structure. While some metamorphic rocks can contain water in fractures, they generally do not provide the abundant groundwater supplies characteristic of sedimentary formations.