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Borehole Logging Method

06 November, 2024

Purpose: Borehole logging is a versatile technique for characterizing subsurface formations, providing detailed data on geological, hydrological, and structural properties. It is widely used in mineral exploration, environmental studies, and geotechnical assessments to enhance understanding of subsurface conditions.

Applications:

Geological Mapping: Gamma, resistivity, and spontaneous potential probes reveal geological changes, helping to identify formation layers and mineralized zones.

Contamination and Fluid Studies: Induction conductivity with gamma probes maps formation conductivity and potential contamination. Fluid conductivity and temperature logs identify flow zones and fracture locations.

Structural and Dimensional Analysis: Caliper probes assess borehole diameter changes and fracture distribution, supporting structural stability evaluations.

Technical Process: Borehole logging utilizes a range of probes to collect data on various parameters. Cross-hole IP/Resistivity surveys and Time-Domain EM surveys are also conducted using specialized electrodes and EM probes for detailed 3D subsurface mapping. Video logging offers visual confirmation of detected features, further aiding analysis.

Key Uses: Borehole logging is crucial for in-depth subsurface evaluation, providing insights into geological structures, fluid dynamics, and potential contamination pathways, essential across mineral, environmental, and construction sectors.


Boreholes can be surveyed with many types of probes:

  • Caliper for mapping fractures and borehole diameter changes
  • Induction Conductivity used with gamma to map formation conductivity and potential contamination
  • Gamma for mapping geologic changes
  • Single Point Resistivity for mapping geologic changes
  • Spontaneous Potential for mapping geologic changes
  • Fluid Conductivity useful for locating potential flow zones
  • Fluid Temperature, which is useful for locating fractures that might flow sources

Borehole Time-Domain EM Surveys are also carried using a 3D EM probe.

The IP/Resistivity geophysical method use stainless steel and copper electrodes to acquire cross-hole survey data: Cross-hole IP/Resistivity Surveys for Gold & Voids

Video logs are also useful for further characterizing features detected within the borehole.