Wireline Logging

GEO 340

Uses of Gamma Ray Log

Bahria University
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
 Uses of the Total Gamma Ray Log
• Determination of Lithology
• Determination of Shale Content
• Depth Matching
• Cased Hole Correlations
• Recognition of Radioactive Mineral Deposits
• Recognition of Non-Radioactive Mineral Deposits
• Radio-isotope Tracer Operations
• Facies and Depositional Environment Analysis
Determination
of Lithology
 Determination of Shale Content
• Shale volume is calculated in a way, where first the
gamma ray index IGR is calculated from the gamma ray
log data using the relationship

• where:
– IGR = the gamma ray index
– GRlog = the gamma ray reading at the depth of interest
– GRmin = the minimum gamma ray reading. (Usually the mean
minimum through a clean sandstone or carbonate formation.)
– GRmax = the maximum gamma ray reading. (Usually the
mean maximum through a shale or clay formation.)
 Depth Matching
• It has a high reliability and a high vertical
resolution.
• The tool is commonly used to match the
depths of data from a given depth interval
made at different times with different tool
combinations.
 Cased Hole Correlations
• Open hole measurements to cased hole and
production logging measurements.
• The gamma ray log ensures accurate depth
control is maintained during cased-hole
logging, and while perforating the correct
depths.
 Recognition of Radioactive Mineral
Deposits
• Potash deposits and uranium ores.
• Potassium-40 emits gamma rays with the single
energy of 1.46 MeV.
• Linear relationship between the gamma ray
count rate and the content of potassium in the
formation.
• No simple relationship for uranium, because the
energy spectrum also includes radiation from
other elements in the uranium-radium series.
Recognition of Non-Radioactive Mineral
Deposits
• The gamma ray log can also be used to
indicate non radioactive deposits having very
low radioactivity.
• Evaporites (salt, anhydrite and gypsum), and
coal beds.
Radio-isotope Tracer Operations
• Deliberate doping of fluids with radioactive
tracers is sometimes carried out to find the
location of pipe leaks and channeling behind
the casing.
• The gamma ray log is sometimes employed as
a detector in these cases.
 Facies and Depositional Environment
Analysis
• Often used to measure the shaliness of a
formation.
• In reality the shaliness often does not change
suddenly, but occurs gradually.
• Such gradual changes are indicative of the
litho-facies and the depositional environment
of the rock.