Resistivity & Conductivity Methods:
Resistivity vs. conductivity: A comparison

Resistivity
Conductivity
Relatively slow data acquisition Relatively rapid data acquisition
Some instruments require more than a single operator Can be operated by one person
No magnetic susceptibility response Can measure magnetic susceptibility using the in-phase component of the measured signal
Probe insertion can be difficult in dry, hard, or rocky ground, and impossible over pavements Current insertion problems are avoided. Survey can be conducted over dry, hard, rocky ground, or through pavement.
Metals are usually undetectable unless probes parallel a buried pipe Can detect metals
In very dry conditions (high resistivities) it is impossible to initiate current flow In very dry conditions (low conductivities < 1 mS/m) a current cannot be magnetically induced into the ground to create a magnetic field detectable by the receiver
Can easily target specific depths by altering probe spacings Most instruments are confined to two principal depth sensitivities using vertical and horizontal dipole modes
Relatively easy to trace vertical and lateral resistivity changes with depth Very limited information about layering and vertical changes can be gained
Unaffected by above-ground power lines and electrical storms Affected by above-ground power lines and electrical storms
Measurements tend to be stable Measurements tend to drift with time
Relatively high dynamic range from 0.0005->50K ohms Relatively low dynamic range from roughly 0.5-1000 mS/m (2000-1 ohm-m)
Low-end instruments inexpensive; high-end instruments relatively expensive Relatively expensive

Key: advantage; possible advantage or disadvantage; disadvantage

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Contribution by: Kenneth L. Kvamme, Archeo-Imaging Lab, University of Arkansas