Eddy current examination is used for locating which of the following discontinuities?

Eddy current examination is primarily utilized for detecting surface and near-surface discontinuities in conductive materials. This method is particularly effective because it generates an electromagnetic field that induces eddy currents in the material being tested. These eddy currents are sensitive to changes in material properties, such as conductivity and permeability, which often occur at or near the surface of the material.

Surface cracks, laps, seams, and other similar defects can disrupt the flow of the eddy currents, which results in measurable changes in the electromagnetic field. This allows inspectors to identify such discontinuities with high sensitivity. Furthermore, while eddy current testing can sometimes detect near-surface defects, it is less effective at identifying deeper or internal flaws due to the depth of penetration of the induced currents, which typically diminishes rapidly with increasing material thickness.

Thus, the capability of eddy current testing to effectively locate surface and near-surface discontinuities makes this response the most accurate choice in the context of the given question.