Introduction to

Borehole geophysics

Borehole geophysics is the science of

recording and analyzing measurements of
physical properties made in wells or test
holes

Borehole geophysics

MEASUREMENTS
Probes:

measure different properties are

lowered into the borehole to collect
continuous or point data that is graphically
displayed as a geophysical log

Borehole geophysics

INTERGATED GEOPHYSIAL LOGGING

Multiple

logs are collected

A suite of logs as a group than by the analysis of
the same logs individually
Borehole geophysics is used in ground-water and
environmental investigations to obtain information
on well construction, rock lithology and fractures,
permeability and porosity, and water quality

Borehole geophysics
GEOPHYSICAL LOGGING SYSTEM Consists of :

Probes, Cable
Drawworks,
Power and processing
modules
Data recording units.
State-of-the-art logging
systems are controlled by
a computer and can
collect multiple logs with
one pass of the probe.

Some objectives of geophysical

well logging
(1) Identification

of lithology and stratigraphic

correlation
(2) Measuring porosity, permeability, bulk density,
and elastic properties
(3) Characterizing fractures and secondary porosity
(4) Determining water quality
(5) Identifying contaminant plumes
(6) Verifying well construction

Benefits of logging
The main objective of borehole geophysics is to obtain
more information about the
subsurface than can be obtained from drilling, sampling,
and testing
Although drilling a test hole or well is an
expensive procedure, it provides access to the
subsurface
where vertical profiles or records of many different kinds
of data can be acquired.

continuous analog or digital records of

in

situ properties of soils and rocks, their

contained fluids, and well construction.

Logs may be interpreted in terms of:

lithology,

thickness, and continuity of

aquifers and confining beds, permeability,

porosity, bulk density, resistivity, moisture content, and specific yield;

and the source, movement, chemical and physical characteristics of
groundwater and the integrity
of well construction

Log data are repeatable over a long period of time, and

comparable, even when measured with different equipment

Repeatability and comparability provide the basis for measuring

changes in a groundwater system with time. Changes in an
aquifer matrix, such as in porosity by plugging, or changes in
water quality, such as in salinity or temperature, may be recorded

Some probes record data from rock beyond that

disturbed by the drilling process
Samples provide
Point data from laboratory analysis
Borehole logs provide
Usually continuous data, and can be analyzed in
real time at the well site to guide completion or
testing procedures

It may provide information on some characteristic not recognized

at the time of geophysical logging
Data from geophysical logs are useful in the development of digital
models of aquifers and in the design of groundwater, supply,
recharge, or disposal systems
A log analyst with the proper background data on the area being
studied can provide reasonable estimates of hydraulic properties
needed for these purposes
Stratigraphic correlation is a common use of geophysical logs; logs
also permit the lateral extrapolation of quantitative data from test or
core holes. Using logs, a data point in a well can be extended in
three dimensions to increase its value greatly

Many techniques used in surface geophysics

are related closely to techniques in borehole
geophysics, and the two are considered together
when setting up comprehensive groundwater,
environmental, or engineering investigations
Geophysical logs, such as acoustic-velocity and
resistivity, can provide detailed profiles of data that
are useful in interpreting surface surveys, such as
seismic and resistivity surveys

Limitations of logging
Geophysical logging cannot replace sampling
completely, because some information is
needed on each new area to aid log analysis
A log analyst cannot evaluate a suite of logs
properly without information on the local
geology

Logs do not have a unique response;

for example, high gamma radiation from
shale is indistinguishable from that produced
by granite.
To maximize results from logs,
at least one core hole should be drilled
in each depositional basin or unique aquifer
system.

Calibration of logs carried out in one

rock type may not be valid in other rock
types because of the effect of chemical
composition of the rock matrix.

Planning a logging program

A logging program must be properly planned to be of

maximum benefit. Borehole geophysics is frequently
applied to environmental investigations, such as
hydrogeology to aid site selection, monitoring, determining
well construction, and planning remediation. In planning a
logging program for environmental applications
one of the most difficult questions to answer is what
geophysical logs will provide the most information for th
funds available. There are several important steps in the
decision-making process.

Log analysis

In recent years, computer techniques have dominated

log analysis; however, this development has not changed
the basic requirements for getting the most information
from logs. First, background information on each new
hydrogeologic environment is essential where logs are
to be used. The amount and kind of background data
needed are functions of the objectives of the program

Qualitative analysis
Logs were first used for the
identification of rock and fluid types, their lateral
correlation,
selection of likely producing intervals for well completion;
these uses are still vital today in many fields. Qualitative
log analysis is based mostly on knowledge of the local
geology and hydrology, rather than on log-response
charts or computer plots.
Examination of outcrops, core, and cuttings, coupled with
an understanding of log response, will permit the
identification and correlation of known aquifers and
confining beds.

Quantitative analysis

Bed Thicknesses
Density
Porosity
Volume estimations
Water Saturation
Resistivity
etc

Another important technique

for log analysis

Cross

Plot

Summary
Basic Units of Logging Program
Planning
Data Acquisition
Processing
Interpretation
Desired Results