Compared to zinc anodes, magnesium anodes in high resistivity soil:

Magnesium anodes are known for their more noble potential compared to zinc anodes, which allows them to deliver a higher electrical current, particularly in high resistivity soil conditions. The conductivity of the surrounding environment plays a crucial role in the performance of anodes; in high resistivity soils, magnesium anodes can generate a stronger electrochemical reaction, resulting in a higher current output. This property is essential for cathodic protection systems because the increased current helps to protect structures from corrosion more effectively, especially in less conductive environments where other materials may struggle to provide sufficient protection.

In contrast, zinc anodes, while useful in many situations, may not achieve the same level of effectiveness in high resistivity soils, resulting in a lower overall performance when compared to magnesium anodes in those specific conditions. This distinction is vital for professionals in the field to ensure they choose the right type of anode for the environment in which they are working.