What is one characteristic of carbonates that allows for groundwater movement?

Porosity is a key characteristic of carbonates that facilitates groundwater movement. Carbonate rocks, such as limestone and dolostone, are often formed from the accumulation of biological materials and can have interstitial spaces or pores within their structure. This porosity allows for the storage of water and enables groundwater to flow through the rock formation. The interconnected network of voids within the rock is critical for facilitating the movement of water, making it an essential factor in aquifer performance.

In contrast, high density can impede the movement of water, while impermeability would prevent water from passing through the rock. Mineral richness typically refers to the abundance of various minerals but does not directly impact the flow of groundwater. Therefore, porosity stands out as the characteristic that supports the effective movement of groundwater in carbonate formations.