Curve saturation occurs with dipmeters and resistivity imaging devices when they attempt to gather data beyond the range of the device. This range is a function of mud to formation resistivity and maximum mud resistivity. Resistivity saturation will occur within resistive formations including hydrocarbon charged sections and rock types such a carbonates and evaporites. It is often difficult or impossible to discern features within such sections. A saturated image, however, through a known resistive mass (e.g. carbonate nodule) is a useful check on image polarity.
See also image polarity.