ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Percolation theory

Percolation theory is a way to explain how liquids and gases move through certain materials. Think about a sponge, for example. Water can flow through a sponge and be absorbed, but if there are too many holes in the sponge, then the water will flow through too quickly and it won't be absorbed properly. That's what percolation theory is all about. It looks at how liquids and gases move through different materials based on the size of the holes and how close they are together. It can help us understand things like water flowing through the ground and the movement of oil and gas.