A Brief Description

Resistivity measures changes in ground conductivity due to variations in ground-water, salt content, and porosity of the medium.   This phenomenon makes resistivity exploration very effective in mapping sub-surface, oxidized mineral deposits and geological formations.  It is also very effective in fault tracing, cavern mapping, ground-water investigation.  Resistivity applications are also highly effective in mapping archaeological sites.  Recently, resistivity techniques have been used to map ground permeation of industrial chemicals.

Technique

The two most common resistivity methods are direct current and electromagnetics.  Direct current resistivity measurements require electrode placements at the surface through which current is applied and voltage measurements are taken.  When direct current resistivity measurements are taken, induced polarization techniques can also be employed.  This procedure allows better definition of some features, as the two methods are complimentary.  Data presented by resistivity methods can then be mapped to indicated size and depth of a target.