Explanation

Links

• Arch Report with info on Resistivity Mapping
• GeoModel's EM Page
• Notre Dame's Summer Field Research including info on a Resistivity Survey

A resistivity meter measures how well the soil conducts an electrical current from one point on the surface to another. The soil's actual ability to conduct the current comes from the amount of moisture it holds. Areas of compaction, such as floors and trails, restrict the amount of moisture that the soil can hold, and will show up as being highly resistive during this test. Places where the soil has been disturbed, such as filled holes, trenches, and ditches will collect more moisture than surrounding soil and will show up on the test as having low resistivity.