Hydraulic Conductivity Converter

Convert between different units of hydraulic conductivity including m/s, cm/s, ft/day, and more. Essential for hydrogeology, soil science, and groundwater flow calculations.

Base Unit: 1 m/s = 100 cm/s = 1000 mm/s = 3.28084 ft/s = 39.3701 in/s = 86400 m/day = 8,640,000 cm/day = 283,839 ft/day = 3,401,568 in/day

About This Hydraulic Conductivity Converter

Our Hydraulic Conductivity Converter provides precise conversions between different units used to measure the ease with which water can move through pore spaces or fractures in soil and rock. The tool is essential for hydrogeologists, environmental engineers, and soil scientists working with groundwater flow, aquifer analysis, and permeability studies.

The converter uses exact conversion factors based on standard definitions, ensuring accurate results for both field measurements and laboratory analysis. All conversions are derived from the base SI unit of meter per second (m/s).

Key Features

Comprehensive Units

Convert between 9 different hydraulic conductivity units including metric, imperial, and time-based measurements commonly used in hydrogeology.

Scientific Precision

Handles both extremely small permeabilities and high-flow scenarios with automatic scientific notation when needed.

Real-time Conversion

See results instantly as you type or change units, perfect for quick field calculations.

Professional Standards

Uses exact conversion factors aligned with hydrogeological and environmental engineering standards.

Why Choose Our Converter?

  • Accuracy: Uses precise conversion factors from hydrogeological references
  • Versatility: Covers both length/time and daily rate measurements
  • Field-Ready: Mobile-responsive design for use in the field
  • Professional: Designed specifically for environmental and geological applications
  • Instant Access: No downloads or installations required

Frequently Asked Questions

What is hydraulic conductivity?

Hydraulic conductivity is a measure of how easily water can move through soil or rock. It represents the velocity of water flow through a porous medium under a unit hydraulic gradient. Higher values indicate more permeable materials.

When would I use different units?

m/s is the standard SI unit for scientific work, cm/s is common in laboratory studies, ft/day is widely used in American hydrogeology practice, and m/day is convenient for groundwater flow modeling and aquifer analysis.

What are typical hydraulic conductivity values?

Clay: 10⁻⁹ to 10⁻⁶ m/s; Silt: 10⁻⁶ to 10⁻⁴ m/s; Fine sand: 10⁻⁵ to 10⁻³ m/s; Coarse sand: 10⁻³ to 10⁻¹ m/s; Gravel: 10⁻² to 1 m/s; Fractured rock: highly variable.

How is hydraulic conductivity measured?

Common methods include constant head permeability tests, falling head tests, slug tests in wells, pump tests, and tracer tests. Laboratory methods use permeameters, while field methods involve monitoring water level changes.

What factors affect hydraulic conductivity?

Key factors include grain size and distribution, porosity, pore connectivity, fluid viscosity and density, temperature, and the degree of saturation. Finer materials generally have lower hydraulic conductivity.