K (Hydraulic Conductivity)

Hydraulic conductivity, often called K, measures how easily water can move through soil or rock. It depends on the type of material—sands, for example, let water flow more quickly than clay. K is expressed in units like meters per second and helps engineers and scientists understand groundwater movement, drainage, and soil stability. A higher K means water travels more freely, while a lower K indicates water moves slowly. This property is important for managing water resources, designing foundations, and predicting how contaminants spread through the ground.