Lecture :

Gamma Ray Logs

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

Gamma ray log

INTRODUCTION
Gamma ray logging is a method of
measuring naturally occurring gamma
radiation to characterize the rock or
sediment in a borehole. It is sometimes
used in mineral exploration and water-well
drilling, but most commonly formation
evaluation in oil and gas well drilling.

What is Gamma ray

logging?
continue
Different types of rock emit different
amounts and different spectra of natural
gamma radiation.

THEORY & PRINCIPLES

Natural radiation of unstable elements
consists primarily of alpha, beta and
gamma rays; but it is practical to measure
only the gamma radiation in a well bore.
Some rocks are naturally radioactive by
virtue of the disseminated unstable
elements they contain .

Most of the 65 unstable nuclides exist in

nature . Those of significant abundance
are:

Uranium-radium series
Potassium 40
Thorium series Radioisotopes

Minerals and Rocks containing

radioactive elements
Potassium-bearing minerals and rocks

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.

 Unwanted borehole effects:

The gamma ray log is relatively unaffected
by small scale borehole irregularities, but is
markedly affected by large caves. The
effect is due to the increased volume of
drilling mud between the formation and
gamma ray detector which causes
increased Compton scattering and a
consequent diminution in the gamma ray
log value.

Gamma Ray Logging

Tool

 Gamma ray tool consist essentially of a sensitive

gamma ray detector, generally a scintillation counter
made with a large sodium iodide crystal. When a
gamma ray penetrates the crystal it produces a flash of
light, which is then converted to an electric pulse by a
photoelectrical cell.

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

is the density of radioactive

mineral
V
is its percentage by volume
b is the bulk density of formation
A is the constant of proportionality

APPLICATIONS IN
GEOLOGY

Lithology Determination
Indicator of lithology, generally we can indicate where
shales, clays, sandstone and limestones are present.

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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.

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Glauconite is of marine origin.
Feldspars are indicators of the degree of evolution of
sand facies.
Uranium indicates low-energy , reducing conditions.