A Generalized Approach for the Interpretation of Geophysical Well Logs in Ground- Water Studies— Theory and Application by F. L. Paillet’ and R. E. Crowder” Abstract ‘Quantits ive analysis of geophysical logs in ground-water studies often involves at least as broad a range of applications and variation in lithology asis typically encountered in petroleum exploration, making such logs difficul to calibrate and complicating inversion problem formulation. At the same time, data inversion and analysis depend on inversion model formulation and refinement, so that log interpretation cannot be deferred to a geophysical log specialist unless active involvement with interpret tion can be maintained by such an expert over the lifetime of the project. We propose a generalized log-interpretation procedure designed to guide hydrogeologists in the interpretation of geophysical logs, and in the integration of log data into ground-water models that may be systematically refined and improved in an iterative way. The procedure is designed to maximize the effe use of three primary contributions from geophysical logs: (1) The continuous depth scale of the measurements along the well bore; Q) The in situ measurement of lithologie properties and the correlation with hydraulic properties of the formations over a finite sample volume; and (3) Multiple independent measurements that can potentially be inverted for multiple physical or hydraulic properties of interest. The approach is formulated in the context of geophysical inversion theory, and is designed to be interfaced with surface geophysical soundings and convent tive inversion is statistically warranted by formul: n model, quantitati variables in those situations where quanti Introduction Implementation of models for the simulation of ground- water flow and contaminant transport in aquifers requires sub- surface characterization of the boundaries and hydraulic proper- ties of the geological formations through which ground water flows. Such characterization includes geologic mapping, surface seismic and electrical sounding, and the analysis of cuttings and cores recovered during drilling and sampling. Geophysical log- ‘gingis another technique that has substantial potential in aquifer characterization. However, borehole geophysics is often con- sidered a highly specialized technology developed for petroleum exploration rather than ground-water studies. Project engineers and hydrogeologists commonly believe that geophysical logging *U.S. Geological Survey, Box 25046, MS403, Denver Federal Center, Denver, Colorado 80225, °Colog, Incorporated, Golden, Colorado 80401 Received April 1995, revised October 1995, accepted October 1995, Vol. 34, No. 5 GROUND WATER—September-October 1996 nal hydraulic testing. The step-by-step procedures given in our generalized jon technique are based on both qualitative analysis designed to assist formulation of the interpretation analysis used to assign numerical values to model parameters. The approach bases a decision as to whether ing an over-determined inversion. If no such inversion is consistent inversion is judged not possible with the given data set. Ad I significance of regressions are used to guide the subsequent calibration of geophysical data in terms of hydraulic tive data inversion is considered appropriate. ynal statistical criteria such as, requires the services of a geophysicist, so that the potential benefits of logging are hard to identify when planning a project, and their budget. On the other hand, geophysicists generally believe that geophysical logs are not being used either as often or as fully as they could be in ground-water studies. ‘The primary objective of this paper is to present a general- ized framework for the application of quantitative geophysical og analysis to any ground-water study. This generalized approach is based on recognition that specific attributes of logs have the potential to contribute to a study, and the approach is designed to insure that maximum use is made of those attributes, The approach is also based on the use of standard scientific computational software (mathematical, statistical, and graphi- cal) available to the scientific community rather than depending upon specialized log analysis software. We stress the precise definition of certain key concepts and mathematical manipula- tions that make the quantitative basis of the analysis clear. We also stress the application of statistical techniques in tandem with the data modeling process, so that the analysis addresses the statistical meaning of a given level of agreement between model and data. 883Another important aspect of the generalized approach is the establishment of precise and testable criteria to be used to determine when quantitative analysis of geophysical logs is even possible. Although these appear to be formidable objectives, we think they can be achieved, and that a generalized approach to geophysical log analysis can be specified for almost any ground- water application. The first part of this paper addresses the theoretical and statistical background of the generalized approach. We then illustrate the application of the generalized approach in three representative studies, including an example where the quantitative analysis of logs is clear and straightfor- ward, an example where sophisticated statistical analysis and other information is needed to support the results of the analysis, and an example where quantitative inversion of geophysical logs in terms of aquifer properties is clearly not possible. The Unique Attributes of Geophysical Logs Geophysical logs are defined as a series of measurements made along the axis of a borehole. We will assume that such measurements are recorded on a PC disk in digital form, and are made at evenly spaced depth intervals (commonly from0.1 00.5 feet). Each data point is represented by two numbers: depth and measured parameter value. A number of different geophysical ‘measurements can be made in boreholes. These can be divided into general classes of measurements representing borehole or formation properties such as borehole diameter or formation resistivity (Table 1). These general classes of measurements can be subdivided according to the specific ways in which those properties are measured such as three-arm or single-arm caliper. ‘Although all of these logs are not run in a single borehole, logging is designed so that a number of different probes can be operated off of the same winch and depth-control system. ‘Although cach geophysical measurement is interpreted according to the specific physical principles involved, al sets of geophysical logs have three fundamental attributes that con- tribute to the analysis of aquifer properties in a way that is unique to this class of measurement: 1. Geophysical logs contain a continuous depth scale asso- ciated with a continuous series of measurements, each made in the same way with the same equipment. There are no missing or misplaced intervals in the data set, and none of the data are affected by handling, desiccation, or desegregation as are cut- tings or core samples. In Figure 1, geophysical logs are compared to a qualitative description of lithology based on cuttings, show- ing how logs can be used to identify the exact top and bottom of, aquifer units. 2. Geophysical logs sample the undisturbed formation in situ around the borehole. Although the sampled volume con- tains the borehole and a surrounding annulus possibly affected by drilling, the sampled volume also includes the adjacent undis- turbed formation (Figure 2). This undisturbed portion of the sampled volume contains natural formation fluids, except in those situations where there is extensive invasion of drilling fluids, or where naturally occurring hydraulic head differences cause water from one formation to infiltrate other formations via the open borehole. At the same time, the sampled volume is commonly at least one foot in diameter, and therefore includes a more representative sample of the formation than a plug removed from acore sample. Such a volume is more likely to be representative of an aquifer than a small segment of core. 884 peel jo ws 5 ror t T I g in wh! Fig. 1. Example of gamma, spontaneous potential, short-normal resistivity and acoustic logs compared to a lithologic description ‘based on cuttings for a borehole in Las Vegas, Nevada; column at right shows how the interpretation is based on a combination of sample description and bed boundaries inferred from the geophysical logs; note that the resistivity log is reversed to improve correlation with other logs. 3. Geophysical logging equipment is designed so that more than one geophysical measurement typically can be made in the same borehole. These measurements are based on different phys- ical principles such as nuclear, electrical, or acoustic and, there- fore, are analyzed using independent (in the statistical and mathematical sense) interpretation equations. The availability of multiple, independent measurements allows for coupling of Fig. 2. Schematic illustration of geophysical sample volume showing how the geophysical measurement is related tothe physical properties idusl beds within the sample volume: A) schematic illustration. of sample volume; B) comparison of log response to distribution of sediment properties given by core.Table 1. Conventional Geophysical Well Logs [Adapted and Expanded from Keys (1990)] toy ‘Varieties and related ries messored | Potential splice Require ole Typeoflog eam | pe ial apticnion | Rested ner Liniaions Sponaneous poten: lectic potential | Lithlogy, shale co | Uncasedole led | Salinity eifference 1, sausedby sanity | tem waterqualty. | withcondscive | seeded ernecr ‘ferences in tore: fu ovehole id and bean ners ines is, fis Singlepoin resi | Conventional citer. | Resisurce ofrck, | Highresolaion | Uncaedole ited | Not quanitaive vance, a sting fad and | litology fate | withcondscive | tote diameter fects oretoe i locaton by deren | mui sigan probe Munieecwode | Normal focused. or | Resiiviy, mohm- | Quaritive dawson | Uncaedoe hited | Normals provide sty. aera mee ofvokand | salinay oficial | withcondseive | incoree vane and sowing ide, | wae litaogy. | Mad ticknesees in tin feds. etic indocion. | Deep staiow.and | Resiuvin.inalm- | Quantive datos | Opentole with pts. | Skin effect come: focwsed mee ofrrkand | salty oftersiiat | aeeasig on forhiphycon- sameating Maids. | water boon. active formation. ‘Gamma special. | Gammaradition | Lidologyimayte | Anybole condition. | Very igh outs fromeatual ocars- | reedto clay and | exept verylrge ot | need tobe conected ialradiotope | sitcom and per. | severtsringsor | for dade rmeailtyapeceal | casing and cemen. ‘entire topes Gunmegerma | Compensned unl | Elecwon deny. | Bulk deny, pos- | Optimum eis in | Sever ole dame ant. inmoinure cow | uncuedsquliative | tereffect tently. through sing oF dui tem ‘Nectoe. 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