Interpretation of geophysical well logs in permafrost. Final report

Technical Report · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1986

OSTI ID:6170576

Scott, J H; Petersen, J K; Osterkamp, T E; Kawasaki, K

This report is a collection of information on the interpretation of well logs and borehole geophysical surveys in permafrost. The body of the report is preceded by an executive summary that gives the highlights of the report in condensed form. The introductory chapter contains background information that is fundamental to the understanding of well log applications in permafrost, including definitions and descriptions of well logs, permafrost, and related terms, and illustrations showing the extent of permafrost in Alaska. Chapter 2 presents information on physical properties of permafrost that relate to well log interpretation, including porosity and pore-filling media (water, ice and air), and their effects on thermal properties, electrical properties and acoustic properties. Chapters 3-8 describe the following types of well logs in detail, including measurement principles and methods, procedures for calibration and interpretation, and identification of special problems relatd to permafrost: thermal logs, electric logs, sonic logs, nuclear logs, magnetic logs, and miscellaneous (caliper and drilling) logs. Chapter 9 gives information on three types of borehole geophysical surveys, electrical resistivity, seismic velocity, and borehole gravity, with emphasis on the increased depth of investigation afforded by these surveys as compared with well logs. Chapter 10 describes a number of specific applications. A concluding chapter summariezes the information contained in the body of the report and includes a table that gives an overview of the relative value of various borehole geophysical measurements that can be used for delineating and characterizing permafrost. Conclusions of the report are that a number of standard borehole measurement techniques have been tried and proven in permafrost and can be used effectively to delineate and characterize earth material penetrated by the borehole. 19 figs., 8 tabs.

• Research Organization: Geological Survey, Denver, CO (USA); Alaska Univ., Fairbanks (USA). Geophysical Inst.
• DOE Contract Number: AI21-83BC10810
• OSTI ID: 6170576
• Report Number(s): DOE/BC/10810-1938; ON: DE86001052
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020200* -- Petroleum-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
440400 -- Well Logging Instrumentation
47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION
58 GEOSCIENCES
580203 -- Geophysics-- Geophysical Survey Methods-- (1980-1989)
ALASKA
BOREHOLES
CALIBRATION
CALIPER LOGGING
CAVITIES
DATA ANALYSIS
ELECTRIC LOGGING
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
EXPLORATION
FEDERAL REGION X
GAMMA LOGGING
GAMMA-GAMMA LOGGING
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
LITHOLOGY
MINERAL RESOURCES
MINING
NEUTRON LOGGING
NORTH AMERICA
NUCLEAR MAGNETIC LOGGING
PERMAFROST
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
RADIOACTIVITY LOGGING
RESOURCES
SONIC LOGGING
TEMPERATURE LOGGING
THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY
THERMAL DIFFUSIVITY
THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES
USA
USES
WELL LOGGING