What is the permeability comparison between geomembranes and compacted clay liners?

Geomembranes are designed to act as barriers to fluid flow, exhibiting very low permeability levels. In contrast, compacted clay liners, while also engineered to serve as barriers, possess higher permeability compared to geomembranes. This difference is primarily due to the nature of the materials used; geomembranes are synthetic polymer materials which are typically impermeable, while compacted clay relies on fine particles for reducing permeability, yet can still allow for some water movement under certain conditions.

The statement that geomembranes are significantly less permeable than compacted clay is correct because it highlights the efficiency of geomembranes in preventing fluid migration, making them a preferred choice in many liner applications within landfills. The permeability characteristics of these two materials are critical for ensuring the containment of leachate and protecting groundwater from contamination. Such knowledge is vital for landfill operations and design.