What does a slug test measure?

A slug test is a method used to measure the hydraulic conductivity or permeability of a specific sediment or rock formation in which groundwater flows. During a slug test, a sudden change in water level is created in a well by quickly removing or adding a volume of water (the "slug"), and then the rate at which the water level returns to its equilibrium state is monitored. The response of the water level over time provides insights into the permeability of the surrounding aquifer material.

This process is crucial for understanding how easily groundwater can flow through subsurface materials, which has significant implications for water resource management, contamination transport, and aquifer recharge. The localized measurement aspect focuses on a specific interval of the aquifer, making it particularly useful for site-specific assessments in hydrogeological studies.

In contrast, other options such as groundwater quality, contamination levels, and water temperature variations pertain to different aspects of groundwater study and are not directly related to the purpose or outcome of a slug test.