Lyell Collection
Geological Society, London, Special Publications
Lyell Centre  |   Lyell Collection  |   Subscriptions   |   Geological Society  |   Email alerts  |   Online bookshop  |   Help

Keywords:
Author:
Advanced search>>
This Article
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow References
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Right arrow Citation Map
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrow Request Permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Bourke, L. T.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
GeoRef
Right arrow GeoRef Citation
Geological Society, London, Special Publications; 1992; v. 65; p. 31-42;
DOI: 10.1144/GSL.SP.1992.065.01.04
© 1992 Geological Society of London

Sedimentology and Stratigraphic Correlation

Sedimentological borehole image analysis in clastic rocks: a systematic approach to interpretation

Lawrence T. Bourke

Reservoir Studies Group, Schlumberger Data Services, Woodlands Drive, Dyce, Aberdeen AB2 0ES, UK

Detailed study over the four years since the introduction of the Formation MicroScanner Tool* (FMS) has resulted in the evolution of a systematic interpretation approach to the extraction of a formal sedimentological description of extensive reservoir intervals using borehole images in clastic sediments. This approach takes account of thorough log quality control and the recognition of non-geological artifacts and involves the integration of the available open hole logs to establish lithology, along with the incorporation of core or sidewall cores as ‘hard’ lithological and textural data to ensure interpretation confidence.

The approach is practical and straightforward. However, a workstation provides significant advantages to the skilled interpreter compared with a paper-based analysis. After quality control and recognition of artifact images, five interpretation steps are suggested. (i) Fine-calibrate open hole logs (conventional lithology indicators) from sidewall and conventional core samples. Enhance lithology recognition using dipmeter resistivity curves. (ii) Annotate the above lithological information onto FMS images. (iii) Constrain feature recognition from images using local geological knowledge. (iv) Pick and classify feature dips, then check dip category validity by generating dip and azimuth histograms. Reclassify as necessary. (v) Extract relevant sedimentary and lithological data from images to construct a conventional sedimentological facies description.

One of the key aspects of borehole image analysis is the development of an interpreter’s skill in recognizing geological features from microresistivity images. Finally, aspects of core reconciliation such as depth matching are considered.





This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
 Geological Society, London, Special PublicationsHome page
M. Lovell, P. Jackson, R. Flint, and P. K. Harvey
Fracture mapping with electrical core images
Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 2005; 240: 107 - 115.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 Geological Society, London, Special PublicationsHome page
D. McIlroy
Some ichnological concepts, methodologies, applications and frontiers
Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 2004; 228: 3 - 27.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 Geological Society, London, Special PublicationsHome page
I. Goodall, J. Lofts, M. Mulcahy, M. Ashton, and S. Johnson
A sedimentological application of ultrasonic borehole images in complex lithologies: the Lower Kimmeridge Clay Formation, Magnus Field, UKCS
Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 1999; 159: 203 - 225.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 Geological Society, London, Special PublicationsHome page
M. A. Lovell, P. K. Harvey, T. S. Brewer, C. Williams, P. D. Jackson, and G. Williamson
Application of FMS images in the Ocean Drilling Program: an overview
Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 1998; 131: 287 - 303.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 Geological Society, London, Special PublicationsHome page
T. M. Goodall, N. K. Moller, and T. M. Ronningsland
The integration of electrical image logs with core data for improved sedimentological interpretation
Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 1998; 136: 237 - 248.
[Abstract] [PDF]