Principles of Induced Polarization for Geophysical Exploration — J. S. Sumner (1976)

Published by Elsevier in 1976, Principles of Induced Polarization for Geophysical Exploration is a comprehensive early reference on induced polarization (IP), an electrical geophysical technique developed to detect and characterize mineralization hidden beneath the Earth's surface.

Induced polarization works by applying an electrical current to the ground and measuring how subsurface materials temporarily retain and release electrical charge. Certain disseminated metallic minerals produce particularly useful IP responses, making the technique an important tool in the search for concealed ore deposits.

Author John S. Sumner was a geophysicist at the University of Arizona, where he worked within the Laboratory of Geophysics and the Departments of Geosciences and Mining & Geological Engineering. His book brought together the theory and practical application of IP at a time when electrical exploration methods were becoming increasingly sophisticated.

The volume begins with electrical resistivity and the physical theory behind induced polarization before moving into laboratory measurements, electrical properties of rocks, polarization models, field equipment, electromagnetic interference, survey design, borehole and underground measurements, and interpretation of IP data. It contains 165 illustrations and 8 tables, reflecting its role as a substantial technical reference rather than a general geology textbook.

The subject remains relevant today. Induced-polarization surveying is still used in mineral exploration and has expanded into groundwater, environmental and other subsurface investigations. Sumner's 1976 work continues to appear in modern geophysical literature discussing resistivity and IP methods.

This is the original 1976 Elsevier edition, issued as Volume 5 of the Developments in Economic Geology series.

Author: J. S. Sumner
Publisher: Elsevier Scientific Publishing Company
Year: 1976
Series: Developments in Economic Geology, Vol. 5
Length: 277 pages
Illustrations: 165 illustrations and 8 tables
ISBN: 0-444-41481-9
Subject: Geophysics / Mineral Exploration / Economic Geology / Induced Polarization / Electrical Prospecting

Condition: Vintage ex-library hardcover with institutional stamps and markings. This copy bears provenance from Amoco Production Company, connecting it directly with the industrial geological research environment in which exploration-geophysics references of this type were used. Binding and interior appear well preserved overall with expected signs of institutional ownership and age. Please refer to photographs for exact condition.

A specialized piece of exploration-geophysics history with particular interest for collectors of geology, mining, mineral exploration, geophysical instrumentation and the history of resource exploration.