K (hydraulic conductivity coefficient)

Hydraulic conductivity (K) measures how easily water can move through soil or rock. Think of it like the permeability of a sponge—some sponges allow water to pass quickly, while others hold it back. In geological terms, a high K means water flows easily through the material, indicating it’s more permeable, like sandy soil. A low K means water moves slowly, typical of clay or dense rock. This property helps engineers and scientists understand how groundwater moves, how aquifers recharge, and how to manage water resources or assess contamination risks.