Geo-Electrical Resistivity and Conductivity

Resistivity surveying is a versatile and successful geophysical potential prospecting method. Electric current is induced into the ground by a number of small metal electrodes. Variations in electrical resistivity caused by geological or hydrogeological conditions are measured and mapped. The subsurface ground resistivity can be calculated by knowing the electrode spacing, geometry of the electrode positions, applied current, and measured voltage. The depth of measurement of ground resistivity is related to the spacing of the electrodes and may vary depending on subsurface conditions. Data can be obtained from depths of about 50 to 100 meters.

Resistivity surveys are common in ground water exploration, ground water pollution monitoring, mineral prospecting and general geological and geotechnical mapping.

• soil or rock lithology
• soil and groundwater contamination
• saltwater/freshwater interface
• mapping clay layers or sand deposits
• mineral exploration
• mapping water table
• fracture location