Which type of soil typically has a higher permeability?

Prepare for your GERTC Hydraulics, Pneumatics, and Geotechnical Engineering Test. Study with multiple choice questions, detailed hints, and explanations. Get set for the HPGE exam!

Sandy soil is characterized by its larger particle size compared to other types of soil, such as clay or loam. The larger grains in sandy soil create more significant spaces, or pores, between individual particles, which allows water to flow through it more easily. This leads to a higher rate of permeability, meaning that water can move through the soil quickly.

In contrast, clay soils have very small particles that are tightly packed together, resulting in very low permeability. Loamy soils, which consist of a mix of sand, silt, and clay, have moderate permeability but do not match the permeability of sandy soils. Peaty soils, which contain a high amount of organic material, can also have variable permeability, but generally, their water retention capabilities tend to make them less permeable than sandy soils. Thus, sandy soil is recognized for its high permeability, making it the correct answer to the question.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy