GeoVista - Induced Polarisation Probe

The Geovista Induced Polarisation (IP) Probe comprises four electrodes in AB-MN Wenner configuration. A high DC voltage with alternating polarity is periodically applied to the outer two electrodes. This voltage is applied for a fixed time and then the decaying voltage is measured at the inner two electrodes after a brief delay. The polarizability of different materials is dependent on the electronic configuration. In strata containing metals, the difference in the rate of electrolytic reactions when a current passes across conductive metal grains causes polarisation. An IP effect is also evident when a current is applied to certain clay minerals with surficial negative charges.