Which testing method sends an electrical current through the ground to analyze conditions?

The testing method that sends an electrical current through the ground to analyze conditions is known as Electrical Resistivity. This technique works by measuring the resistance of the ground to the flow of electrical current, which can provide valuable information about subsurface materials and their properties. Different materials, such as water-saturated sands or clays, have distinctive resistivity values. By analyzing how much current flows through the soil, the method can help identify the types of materials present, as well as their moisture content and other geophysical properties.

This approach is particularly useful in hydrogeological studies, environmental assessments, and geological mapping where understanding the subsurface conditions is critical. The method can also aid in identifying contamination plumes or locating groundwater sources.

Other methods, such as Magnetic Resonance, Seismic Refraction, and Direct Push Technology, serve different purposes and rely on other principles, such as measuring wave propagation or using mechanical push methods to sample subsurface materials, making them distinct from the electrical resistivity technique.