Which geological feature is defined as underground rock layers that store large amounts of water?

The correct choice is aquifers, which are defined as underground rock layers that are capable of storing and transmitting significant amounts of water. These geological formations consist of permeable materials, such as sand, gravel, or certain types of rock that allow water to flow through them. Aquifers are essential sources of groundwater, which is utilized for drinking, irrigation, and other purposes, making them crucial for sustaining ecosystems and human activities.

Understanding aquifers is important for managing water resources, especially in areas where surface water is scarce. The replenishment of aquifers through precipitation and surface water absorption plays a critical role in maintaining their capacity to provide freshwater. Other geological features listed do not share this specific characteristic of storing water underground. For instance, the water table refers to the upper surface of saturated ground in an aquifer, but it does not itself store water. Seas and lakes are surface water bodies, and though they contain significant amounts of water, they do not involve underground storage mechanisms like aquifers do.