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Induced Polarization (IP)

Induced Polarization (IP) is a geophysical method used to explore underground materials by measuring how they temporarily store and release electrical energy. When an electric current is applied to the ground, certain minerals, like metals or clay-filled rocks, become charged and hold this energy briefly after the current is turned off. By analyzing this delayed response, scientists can identify and characterize mineral deposits, groundwater, or geological structures. IP helps differentiate between different materials based on their electrical behavior, providing valuable information about subsurface composition without the need for extensive drilling.