Imagine you have a layer of limestone with high porosity but low permeability.What can you do to increase its permeability to allow water to be pumped from the layer and used as a source of drinking water?
A) Add salt to the water to increase its density so that it flows more readily.
B) Drill down to the layer and set off explosives in the hole to fracture the rock.
C) Remove the overburden so that there will be less pressure trapping the water.
D) Increase the hydraulic conductivity by adding metals to the water.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The best option would be to drill down to the layer and set off explosives in the hole to fracture the rock. This process is called hydraulic fracturing or fracking. By fracturing the rock, you increase the number of pathways for water to flow through the rock, thereby increasing its permeability. Adding salt, removing overburden, or adding metals to the water would not directly affect the permeability of the limestone layer.

Imagine You Have a Layer of Limestone with High Porosity