Use of precise temperature logs in determination of thermal properties of sedimentary rocks and investigation of thermal evolution of sedimentary basins
The temperatures within a sedimentary basin during its evolution are controlled more by the variation in thermal properties of the contained rocks with space and time and with hydrodynamic effects such as dewatering and regional ground-water flow than with transient heat flow variations at the base of a thick sedimentary pile. Although the effect of basal heat flow has been extensively discussed, the effects of thermal property variations and the evolution of fluid flow systems in basins have rarely been addressed. The thermal properties of many sedimentary rocks are not well known and the depth and time variable changes associated with compaction, diagenesis, etc are difficult to evaluate. In one of the dominant rock components, clays, anisotropy, and sampling difficulties make laboratory measurements difficult if not impossible. Hydrodynamic systems associated with basins are just beginning to be understood and much remains to be learned. Heat flow and temperature studies are techniques for investigating these effects. Accurate temperature logs associated with measurements, where possible and suitable, of the thermal conductivities of the rock result in two quantities which can be used to unravel some of the unknown temperature controls in a sedimentary basin. These accurate data can be sued for correlation of geothermal gradient and thermal conductivity with well log properties such as seismic velocity (travel time), density, and gamma ray activity. These resulting correlations can then be used to infer the spacial variations in heat flow within the sedimentary basin and to accurately evaluate the effects of present fluid motions in the basin. The data can also be used to develop a catalog of thermal property variations as a function of the many variable parameters.
- Research Organization:
- Southern Methodist Univ., Dallas, TX
- OSTI ID:
- 6420764
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-8304200-
- Journal Information:
- Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States) Vol. 67:3; ISSN AAPGB
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Geology
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CORRELATIONS
FLUID FLOW
FLUID MECHANICS
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS
HEAT FLOW
HISTORICAL ASPECTS
HYDRODYNAMICS
MATURATION
MECHANICS
ORIGIN
ROCKS
SEDIMENTARY BASINS
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
SURVEYS
TEMPERATURE LOGGING
VARIATIONS
WELL LOGGING