Exp) Option c is the correct answer.

Statement 1 is correct. Chalk is a soft, sedimentary rock composed primarily of calcium carbonate and has a structure with large, well-connected pores. These pores allow water to pass through easily, making chalk a highly permeable rock. In contrast, clay is made up of very fine particles that are tightly packed together, with extremely small pores. As a result, water moves through clay very slowly, making it one of the least permeable types of soil or rock. Therefore, in terms of water movement, chalk allows easy water flow, while clay resists it.

Statement 2 is correct. Chalk is not only permeable but also highly porous, meaning it has many tiny holes or voids within its structure. These pores can hold water, allowing chalk to absorb and retain moisture. This is one of the reasons why chalk feels damp in humid conditions and can crumble easily when wet. Its porous nature is directly responsible for its ability to absorb water, which also contributes to its use in agriculture and construction, where water interaction is important.

Statement 3 is incorrect. Clay is highly porous, as it contains many tiny pores between its fine particles. However, these pores are so small that water moves through them very slowly, making clay poorly permeable. This is why clay retains water and drains slowly, despite having high porosity.

Source: https://www.deq.louisiana.gov/assets/docs/Water/DWPP_forkidsandeducators/PorosityandPermeability.pdf

https://learning.southdowns.gov.uk/geology-landscapes/chalk/

https://taylorandfrancis.com/knowledge/Engineering_and_technology/Materials_science/Chalk/

https://ncert.nic.in/vocational/pdf/kegr105.pdf

https://www.geolsoc.org.uk/ks3/gsl/education/resources/rockcycle/page3824.html

https://ncert.nic.in/textbook/pdf/kegy206.pdf