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thermal conductivity
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Permeability Thermal, electrical, and hydraulic conductivity describe a material's ability to conduct heat, electricity, and groundwater, respectively. Hydraulic conductivity determines how easily water flows through rocks, with steep slopes facilitating quicker flow compared to gentle slopes. Henry Darcy's experiments in 1856 established that the flow rate of water through porous materials is proportional to the hydraulic head difference and inversely proportional to the distance between measurement points. Darcy's law quantifies groundwater flow, emphasizing the importance of hydraulic conductivity, which varies with sediment size. Ultimately, a rock's porosity and hydraulic conductivity dictate its effectiveness as an aquifer.