Permeability of Different Materials

Which of the following materials is the most permeable?

shale, clay, gravel, nonporous rock

Answer:

The most permeable material among the options listed is gravel.

Permeability Explained:

Permeability refers to the ability of a material to allow liquids or gases to pass through it. In the case of soil or bedrock, permeability describes how easily water can move through the pores of the material.

Gravel, which is the correct answer in this case, is known for its high permeability. Gravel is a loose aggregation of small rock fragments. These fragments have larger pores compared to shale, clay, or nonporous rock, allowing substances like water to seep through them more easily.

Gravel is commonly used in construction for roads and railroads due to its permeable nature. Water can flow through gravel easily, making it suitable for drainage applications.

In summary, gravel is the most permeable material among shale, clay, gravel, and nonporous rock due to its porous and highly permeable nature.