Permeability (earth sciences)

Permeability in fluid mechanics and the earth sciences (commonly symbolized as κ, or k) is a measure of the ability of a porous material (often, a rock or an unconsolidated material) to allow fluids to pass through it.

The permeability of a medium is related to the porosity, but also to the shapes of the pores in the medium and their level of connectedness.

Permeability

Permeability is the property of rocks that is an indication of the ability for fluids (gas or liquid) to flow through rocks. High permeability will allow fluids to move rapidly through rocks. Permeability is affected by the pressure in a rock. The unit of measure is called the darcy, named after Henry Darcy (1803-1858). Sandstones may vary in permeability from less than one to over 50,000 millidarcys (md). Permeabilities are more commonly in the range of tens to hundreds of millidarcies. A rock with 25% porosity and a permeability of 1 md will not yield a significant flow of water. Such “tight” rocks are usually artificially stimulated (fractured or acidized) to create permeability and yield a flow.

Latest News for: Soil permeability

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Across China: Millennium-old ginkgo revived as China strengthens ancient tree conservation

Urdu Point 17 Apr 2025
... around the tree's roots, and to replace existing hard paving materials with permeable alternatives that allow water and air to pass through.</p><p>According to a national survey conducted between 2015 and 2021, China is home to 5.08 million ancient or notable trees....
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EDDIE SEAGLE: Choosing the right plants

Moultrie Observer 16 Apr 2025
Instead of traditional concrete or asphalt, opt for permeable materials that allow rainwater to soak into the soil ... By selecting the site-appropriate plants, improving soil health, and using strategic design elements like mulch, permeable hardscaping, and rainwater harvesting, you ......
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Millennium-old ginkgo revived as China strengthens ancient tree conservation

People Daily 16 Apr 2025
As time has passed, however, the ancient tree has begun to show signs of aging ... dollars) and guidance from four forestry experts ... Fei added that the team also plans to enhance soil aeration around the tree's roots, and to replace existing hard paving materials with permeable alternatives that allow water and air to pass through ... ....
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Choosing the right plants!

Thomasville Times-Enterprise 14 Apr 2025
Instead of traditional concrete or asphalt, opt for permeable materials that allow rainwater to soak into the soil ... By selecting the site-appropriate plants, improving soil health, and using strategic design elements like mulch, permeable hardscaping, and rainwater harvesting, you ......
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Chennai playgrounds get a hidden rainwater harvesting boost

The Times of India 06 Apr 2025
Some argue that such systems are best suited for highly urbanized areas, not where natural aquifers already exist.'The sub-soil aquifer is nature's most sustainable reservoir. Any soil, after a few feet, becomes permeable ... for example, in cities with little to no exposed soil....

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