Core logging systems

The way data are to be recorded influences in a significant way the amount and
type of data that are observed. Using the most appropriate system for recording
geological observation of drill core is therefore very important. Although a huge
number of different logging forms are used in industry there are only three basic
types of methods for recording observations on drill cores and cuttings. All
individual logging systems correspond to one or the other, or a combination of
these basic methodologies. The three logging styles are characterized here as prose
logging, analytical spread-sheet logging and graphical logging.

In prose logging, an interval is selected, identified by its down-hole depth limits

and then described in words. Words are a powerful means of summarizing
information and prose is an invaluable way of presenting argument, explanation or
discussion. However, long passages of prose are laborious and ineffective way of
recording the complex relationships which can exist between the observable
features of a rock. It is also unlikely that any two geologists would ever describe a
rock using quite the same words. This means that extracting precise objective
information from a prose log, so as to construct a drill section or to understand the
relationship seen in the core, is difficult and time consuming. As a general rule,
literary efforts should be reserved for report writing and not be used as a means of
routine drill core description. It is therefore recommended that this type of logging
be used only to provide brief verbal commentaries to complement one of the other
two logging styles.

In analytical spread-sheet logging , the characteristics of the rock are described

under a number of precise, prior-defined categories such as color, grain size,
mineral content, number and type of veins, etc. for descriptive purposes the rock is
thus reduced (analyzed ) to its individual components. These separate descriptive
parameters then form the headings for the columns of the spread-sheet. The rock is
the described under selected depth intervals which form the rows of the spread-
sheet. To keep the log compact and precise, symbols, standards abbreviations and
numbers can be used whenever possible to record this information. This style of
logging provides the recording of much more details than any other logging
method. It also provides a column for comments or remarks allowing some prose
or graphical description to be made.

The great strength of the type of logging is that it precisely defines the type of data
to be collected and presents them in a standardized and easily accessible format.
All geologists logging the same section of the core should produce much the same
log. In addition the spread-sheet log is ideal for direct computer entry of the data
as observations are made and it’s compatible with electronic data storage and
geological presentation software.

Assignment

1. Describe graphical logging

Geological observation

Core should ideally be observed in direct, bright natural light. If full sunlight is too
hot, logging under a light shade cloth screen can be acceptable. If weather is too
cold or wet to log the core outdoors, a space indoors before large windows should,
if at all possible, be made available. Core trays to be logged should be arranged at
a comfortable height on racks. The core should be cleaned down of any grease or
mud left from the drilling process and should be observed wet.
Having arranged comfortable physical environment in which to examine diamond
drill core, one of the first problems often found is that the detail of observation
possible is so great that major features and contacts of the rock are difficult to spot.
To overcome this, it is a good idea to initially make a complete summary log of the
entire hole as the core will establish the immediate and paramount question of
whether there is any mineralization present and if there is, provide the control for
an immediate start on the process of sampling for assay. At the same time the
summary log should define major boundaries and structures present and give the
context within which the more detailed log can subsequently be prepared.

Many geologist find I easier to log the details of lithology, structure,

mineralization, alteration and so on in separate passes over the core rather than
trying to observe and record these features simultaneously the job of the geologist
can be made very much easier if routine procedures such as measuring core
recovery, or transferring orientation marks, is carried out by an experienced field
technician.

Important decisions such as deepening or terminating a hole or siting the next hole
may have to be made whilst drilling is progressing. Core should therefore be
logged in as much details as possible, hand-plotted on to section, and its
significance assessed on a daily basis as drilling progresses. More detailed logging
can subsequently be made if not most cases, as new ideas evolve or between –hole
correlation are sough the core will have to be logged and re-logged many times.
There are undoubtedly many ore bodies stacked away in core farms still waiting to
be discovered.

Recognizing and interpreting structures in core

A problem often encountered in the recognition of the patterns which different
structures make when intersected by the cylindrical surface of a core of rock.
Structures have characteristics intersection patterns which the same structure
would make on the more familiar flat surface of an outcrop, map or section.

The trace on core of a planar surface (bedding, fault, vein etc) is usually that of an
ellipse, but where the surface is normal to the core axis the trace is circular and
where the intersection is parallel to the core axis, the trace on the core surface is a
straight line. In the general case of an elliptical core trace, the position of the two
ends of the long axis of the ellipse are marked by inflection points on the trace

Penetrative linear features of a rock also vary in appearance depending upon the
angle at which they intersect the core. For lineations with a rod-like shape, those
that pas through the core axis have the smallest cross-section on the core surface:
those that are furthest from the core axis have the largest cross-section.

Small fold structures intersected in a drill core are relatively simple to interpret
where the fold axis is normal to the core axis