Towards a General Theory of Induced Electrical Polarization in Geophysical Exploration

We exploit the concept that the resistivity of earth materials is a complex frequency-dependent quantity. We then present a general macroscopic formulation for the voltage response at two "potential" electrodes when a current is suddenly applied to two additional electrodes. It is indicated, in a general way, how the transient and the frequency domain results are related. Using a function approach, the apparent complex resistivity is related to the complex resistivities of the constituent media. Hitherto neglected second-order effects are accounted for and their significance is pointed out. Finally, we consider a unified dynamic formulation that allows both induced polarization and electromagnetic coupling to be accounted for. We believe this points the way for a much needed general analytical approach to the macroscopic description of the phenomenon.