AbstractThe solution for the potential distribution about a point source of current placed at the surface of a continuous half‐space is obtained for two cases: (1) the resistivity increases linearly with depth; (2) the conductivity increases linearly with depth. In each case, an expression for the apparent resistivity is established and master curves are presented for both the Wenner and the Schlumberger configurations. The results can be used in the interpretation of electrical sounding data in specified geologic situations. Furthermore, they may be used as a first step in the development of solutions for the more complex electric sounding problem