Final answer:
Porosity is the amount of space in the rock or soil, while permeability refers to the ability of a geologic material to transport fluids.
Option A. Porosity is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
Porosity is the amount of space (holes) in the rock or soil. It refers to the open or void space within the rock, expressed as a percentage of the volume of open space compared to the total rock volume. Porosity varies with rock type, with sedimentary rocks having high porosity due to the abundant spaces between grains.
Permeability, on the other hand, refers to the ability of a geologic material to transport fluids. It depends on the porosity within the rock, as well as the size and interconnectedness of the open spaces. A material may be porous, but if the open spaces aren't connected, water won't flow through it. Sedimentary rocks like sandstone and limestone are good aquifers, while rocks like shale and un-fractured igneous or metamorphic rock are impermeable and prevent the flow of water.