Basic Well Logging

Gamma Ray Logging

Basic Well-Logging Interpretation
Sequence
 Learning Outcomes
1. To understand the operating principles of Gamma Ray
logging tools.
2. To learn how to interpret Gamma Ray logs in terms of
clastic lithology, shale content, grain size, and other
petrophysical properties.
3. To conceptually understand when Gamma-Ray logs do
and do not provide accurate indications of shale/clay
concentration.
4. To understand the concept of spectral Gamma-Ray
logging.
5. To understand the environmental corrections normally
applied to Gamma-Ray logs.
 Recommended Reading
• Various sections on Gamma Ray logging in
“Introduction to Wireline Log Analysis”, Baker
Hughes Inc. (2002).
• Chapter 2, “Radioactive properties of Rocks. pp
25 – 44. Chapter 4, Gamma Ray Log, pp 146 -
158 in “Theory, Measurement, and Interpretation
of Well Logs” by Zaki Bassiouni, SPE Textbook
Series Vol. 4 (1994).
• Instructional CD – “Interactive Petrophysics”
 Shale/Clay in Well Logging
• Clay/shale can substantially affect the petrophysical
properties of rocks such as porosity, irreducible water
saturation, capillary pressure, relative permeability,
absolute permeability, and permeability anisotropy.
• To quantify the petrophysical properties of rocks it is
necessary to determine where the clay/shale is in the
pore space, the type of clay/shale present and the
volumetric concentration of clay/shale.
• The presence of clay/shale affects practically All well-log
measurements.
• The presence of clay/shale can cause electrical,
permeability, and elastic anisotropic behaviour in rock
formations
 Shale, Silt and Clay
• Shale – A poorly defines term; it is
generally taken to mean a rock consisting
of silt and clay.
• Silt – A size term; it refers to material with
4 – 63 micron grain size – generally a
silicous mineral
Clay – A mineralogical and a size term;
< 4 microns grain size – clay minerals
Radioactivity in Sedimentary Rocks
• In sedimentary rocks the radioactive elements tend to
concentrate in the clays and shales.
• Clays are naturally radioactive – they spontaneously
release gamma rays.
• Most clays contain Th, U, and K. Clay/shale
concentration increases with (TH, U, K) concentration
• In siliciclastic rocks, grain size often correlates with the
presence of clay/shale
• Be Aware : There are some rocks which have no
clay/shale but do exhibit abnormal concentrations of (Th,
U, and/or K).
• Also Be Aware: Drilling mud can contain K.
 Atomic Particles
• Electron – An elementary particle consisting of a
negative charge.
• Proton – An elementary particle that has a
positive charge numerically equal to the charge
of an electron. It has the same mass as a
neutron.
• Neutron- An uncharged elementary particle with
the same mass as a proton.

Neutrons and protons make up the nucleus of

an atom. The electrons spin around the nucleus
 Radioactive Decay
• The atomic nuclei of some elements spontaneously
decay and emit alpha, beta and gamma radiation
• Alpha particles - positively charged
• Beta particles – positively or negatively charged
Neither alpha nor beta particles can travel very far into
the formation
• Gamma Rays – Posses no charge, travel at the speed of
light, have discrete energy levels.
Penetrate farther than most particles because they have
no charge
 Gross Sand; Net Sand
• Gross Sand Thickness

• Net Sand Thickness

• Vshale Cutoff
 Acknowledgements:
Mr. Neal Alleyne

Dr. Carlos Torres-Verdin, UT at Austin

Schlumberger

Baker Atlas