Some uses of the spontaneous polarization method

As a partial fulfillment of the requirements in obtaining a Professional Degree in Geophysical Engineering at the California Institute of Technology. Spontaneous Polarization method of electrical exploration was chosen as the subject of this thesis. It is also known as "self potential electrical prospecting" and "natural currents method."

The object of this thesis is to present a spontaneous polarization exploration work done by the writer, and to apply analytical interpretation methods to these field results.

The writer was confronted with the difficulty of finding the necessary information in a complete paper about this method. The available papers are all too short and repeat the usual information, giving the same examples. The decision was made to write a comprehensive paper first, including the writer's experience, and then to present the main object of the thesis.

The following paper comprises three major parts:

1 - A comprehensive treatment of the spontaneous polarization method.

2 - Report of the field work.

3 - Analytical interpretation of the field work results.

The main reason in choosing this subject is that this method is the most reliable, easiest and requires the least equipment in prospecting for sulphide orebodies on unexplored, rough terrains.

The intention of the writer in compiling the theoretical and analytical information has been mainly to prepare a reference paper about this method.

The writer wishes to express his appreciation to Dr. G. W. Potapenko, Associate Professor of Physics at California Institute of Technology, for his generous help.