Porosity and Permeability

Objective:

To examine the porosity and permeability of various sediments. Background Information: See text of the Offshore Oil and Natural Gas Video Guide. What You Need: Four large glass jars (at least 750 ml)
Measuring cup
Mesh window screen
Water
About 2 kg of dry gravel
About 2 kg of sand
About 2 kg of clay or potting soil What To Do: Fill each of the glass jars, as shown in the illustration, with an equal volume of materials as follows: one with clay, one with sand, one with gravel and one with two thirds gravel on the bottom and one third clay on top. Pack each one firmly. Using the measuring cup add water to each until no more will soak in and it just covers the surface. Record the volume added in each case.

Using the wire mesh to hold the sediments in place, pour the water out of each jar into the measuring cup and record the amount that comes back. Take note of how quickly the water pours out.

Questions | Expected Answers

Last Modified: 2004-12-10