The Electrical conductivity (EC) profiling method provides on site, through a direct measure of the electrical conductivity of the underground, an indirect information of the subsurface lithological characteristics. The EC technique is an excellent tool for rapid delineation of the underground heterogeneity. Through this method, vertical profiles of the electrical conductivity are derived in order to map thin layers that may be difficult to detect with traditional methods.

Since the conductivity of soils is different for each type of media, grain size can be derived from the EC signal. Thus, aquifers with e.g. coarser grained sediments, sands and gravel, that cause a lower EC signal, can be distinguished from impervious layers, such as silts or clays that have a higher EC signal. The EC gives the investigator real-time, on-screen logs allowing onsite decisions.