This paper presents a field study conducted in Haines Junction, Yukon, utilizing Spectral Induced Polarization (SIP) to investigate the subsurface properties of a pingo site and specifically identify its ice core. The effectiveness of SIP analysis was demonstrated using a FUCHS frequency domain instrument, which measured electrical impedance magnitude and phase shift angle at multiple frequencies (1.46 Hz–40 kHz). The main focus of the analysis centered on the results obtained from electrical impedance magnitude and phase shift angle inversion at 40 kHz and 1.46 Hz. The inversion results revealed the presence of high resistivity layers within the subsurface, similar to results that would be expected with electrical resistivity tomography (ERT). Additionally, the SIP data revealed that some areas with high resistivity also had negative phase shift angle values, suggesting the presence of materials with polarizing properties. The analysis of the imaginary part of electrical impedance at 40 kHz for these areas highlighted the contribution of polarization, indicating the presence of ice. Furthermore, the electrical impedance magnitude at
1.46 Hz exhibited similarities to the 40 kHz analysis, but with higher resistivity. This pattern is another indicator of the presence of ice within the subsurface of the study area and was expressed using the Resistivity Frequency Effect (RFE) equation. The RFE analysis and the patterns of polarization confirmed the presence of the pingo ice core and identified its distinctive signature compared to other layers. Subsequent drilling confirmed the presence of interbedded ice and clay from 2.4–3.6 m depth and massive ice from 3.6–8.3 m depth.
