This paper synthesizes the results of a compilation and integration of the most important papers and textbooks dealing with the self potential method (SP), also taking into account the author experience on the subject. Furthermore, it introduces survey and processing techniques as well as presentation and interpretation modes. A short description of the SP generation processes, related to both mineral exploration and ground water flow studies, is presented. In the former case, the usually negatives SP anomalies are ascribed to the presence of massive sulphide bodies (electrical conductors). In the case of environmental or engineering studies, the main application of the SP method is to determine the sense of the ground water flow. The occurrence of noises, and the way of eliminating or minimizing them, are considered. The distinct applications of the SP method as well as the expected results from different situations and possible interpretations are also discussed.
self potential; SP; applied geophysics
