Final answer:
Permeability is the capacity of a rock to transmit fluids, dependent on porosity and the connectivity of spaces within the rock.
Step-by-step explanation:
Permeability refers to the capacity of a rock to transmit a fluid, whether it is water, oil, or gas. It is an essential property that depicts how easily a fluid can pass through the rock.
Permeability is contingent on factors such as porosity, which is the measure of open space in the rock, and how well those spaces are interconnected.
Rocks that possess high permeability, such as sandstone and limestone, are often excellent aquifers, providing significant amounts of water when tapped.
Conversely, impermeable rocks like shale, or un-fractured igneous and metamorphic rocks, act as confining layers that hinder the flow of fluids. In the context of oil and gas extraction, fracking is a technique used to enhance the permeability of rocks by creating new pathways for oil and gas to flow.
The concept of permeability is not only crucial in understanding groundwater movement but also holds importance in the extraction of hydrocarbons from the ground and the feasibility of geothermal energy projects.
When considering the extraction of resources or the engineering implications for construction, considering the permeability of the underlying geology is paramount.