Bulk Density

The mass of a particulate material per unit bulk volume, including the inter-particle void spaces, measured under specified packing or handling conditions (e.g., poured or tapped). Bulk density is an operational property that depends on packing state, particle size and shape, moisture, and handling history.

The mass of dry sediment (solid grains and any included coarse material) per unit bulk volume of the sample including pore spaces, typically expressed as grams per cubic centimetre or kilograms per cubic metre; measured after defined drying to assess compaction, porosity, depositional energy, and preservation potential.