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Contents
Section 1
Theory of gamma ray log
Introduction
Principle and theory
Log presentation
Log characteristics
Tools
Section 2
Applications
Lithology
Igneous Rocks
Radioactivity
Shale volume
Correlation
Detection of unconformities
Sedimentology
Uranium-radium series
Potassium 40
Thorium series Radioisotopes
oEvaporites
oClay minerals
oCarbonates
Uranium-bearing
minerals and rocks
Clay minerals
Phosphates
Organic matter
Thorium-bearing minerals
and rocks
Clays
Acidic igneous rocks
Heavy minerals (Monazite,
Zircon, Xenotime, Allanite)
Log presentation:
The accepted unit for radioactivity logging
is API (American Petroleum Institute).
The simple gamma ray log is usually
recorded in track 1 along with the caliper.
Scales are chosen locally but 0-100 or 0150 API are common.
Log characteristics
Depth of investigation: Gamma rays are
subject to Compton scattering. knowing
the gross energy characteristics of natural
radiation and the usual range of
sedimentary densities, the approximate
volume of rock contributing radiations
measured by a logging tool can be
calculated.
Logging speed:
Gamma rays are discrete events and
described are measured in gamma ray
tools by counting, there are restrictions on
logging speeds .
Radiations are counted by a tool over a
fixed period of time, say two seconds,
called the time constant.
Measurement Of Gamma
Radiation
Scintillation counter
Response to tool
The response of the tool is a function of the
concentration by weight of the radioactive
mineral in the rock, and the density of the
rock.
GR=V/b A
Where
GR is total number of measurable radiation
APPLICATIONS IN
GEOLOGY
Lithology Determination
Indicator of lithology, generally we can indicate where
shales, clays, sandstone and limestones are present.
Continue
Sandstone
Sandstones usually show low gamma ray values.
Some time associated detrital minerals
are radioactive e.g
Feldspars and micas due to potassium
Heavy minerals due to thorium
Lithic fragments due to thorium and uranium
Carbonates
Carbonates in pure state are not radioactive.
But
If carbonates contains organic matter they will show
radioactivity due to uranium
If they contain shales they are also radioactive due to
potassium and thorium.
If potassium is present with or without Uranium it
shows limestone of algal origin.
Evaprites
Most common evaporites salt and anhydrites give
extremely low values of radioactivity.
2.IGNEOUS ROCKS
Acidic igneous rocks show high radioactivity mostly
due to potassium. While basic igneous rocks have low
radioactivity.
3.Correlation
On the basis of gamma ray log we can correlate
different well data.
4.Detection of Unconformities
Abrupt change in the mean thorium/potassium ratio
are generally indicative of important variations in the
proportions of radioactive minerals which occurs
when there are changes in geological conditions of
deposition.
5.Sedimentology
The recognition of radioactive mineral give a better
idea of the mineralogical and grain size vertical
distribution , and allow a more accurate reconstruction
of the depositional environment.
Continue..
Glauconite is of marine origin.
Feldspars are indicators of the degree of evolution of
sand facies.
Uranium indicates low-energy , reducing conditions.