Porosity, Permeability, Capillarity

Porosity is determined by:1. Shape - Well rounded particles have greater porosity than angular.Porosity - The amount of space in between sediments.

2. PACKING- The more closely packed the particles the lower the porosity.

3. SORTING- - If all particles are the same size they are sorted. - If the particles are different sizes they are unsorted (poorly sorted) - The more sorted the higher the porosity

Particle Size alone does NOT affect porosity!!!!! (Shaping, Packing, Sorting does)

PermeabilityAbility of water to pass throughAffected by: packing and particle sizeTighter packing and Smaller particles = less permeabilityLooser Packing and Larger particles = more permeability

Other things about PermeabilityPermeability Rate How fast a fluid can flow through a materialImpermeability (not permeable) is due to:A. Tightly packing of particlesB. Cementing of particles by clayC. Cementing of particles by ice

PERMEABILITY

GRAVEL Rapid drainageFINE SAND Moderate drainageCLAY Slow drainage

Clay is impermeable water will not flow through easily

CapillarityCapillarity- Water sticks to the materials that it ispassing through.Capillarity Water - Water stored in the zone of aerationCapillarity causes water to move upward from the water table (capillary action)Capillarity increases with a decrease in particle size.

INFILTRATIONInfiltration refers to water soaking into the ground:Infiltration rate