Interpretation of lithology from the formation resistivity of unconsolidated argillaceous/arenaceous sediments

P. J. Elliott; L. T. Thomas

doi:10.1071/EG986075

ISSN: 0812-3985
E-ISSN: 1834-7533

Interpretation of lithology from the formation resistivity of unconsolidated argillaceous/arenaceous sediments
Authors P. J. Elliott^a and L. T. Thomas^b
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^a Billiton AustraliaShell Company of Australia, , 66 Glen Osmond Road, Parkside, , SA, 5063, , Australia ^b Geology DepartmentUniversity of Melbourne, , Parkville, , Vic, 3052, , Australia
Publisher: Australian Society of Exploration Geophysicists
Source: Exploration Geophysics, Volume 17, Issue 2, Jun 1986, p. 75 - 79
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1071/EG986075
- Published online: 01 Jun 1986

Abstract

A simple physical model for ionic conduction in shaly sands is modified and adapted to unconsolidated clayey sands. A brief review of the effects of porosity and cation exchange in clays on formation resistivity is made, assuming a linear relationship between clay content and porosity. The formation factor can be expressed in terms of the modified porosity and used to calculate the formation resistivity. The formation resistivity is adjusted for the effects of clay conductance under different saline conditions. Characteristic curves are constructed for particular environments, showing the effects of variations in clay content and porosity on formation resistivity. The use of characteristic curves and equations derived from the model is recommended as a semiquantitative aid to interpreting lithology from apparent resistivity data.

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References

Archie G. E. (1942), The electrical resistivity log as an aid in determining some reservoir characteristics’, Trans. Am. Inst. Min. Eng. 146, 54-62.
Grim R. E. (1968), Clav Mineralogy. McGraw-Hill, New York, p. 596.
Hill H. J. & Milburn J. P. (1956), ‘Effect of clay and water salinity on electrical behaviour of reservoir rocks’, Trans. Am. Inst. Min. Eng. 207, 65-72.
Keller G. V. & Frischknecht F. C. (1966), Electrical Methods in Geophysical Prospecting. Pergamon, Oxford, p. 517.
Patnode H. W. & Wyllie M. R. J. (1950), ‘The presence of conductive solids in reservoir rocks as a factor in electrical log interpretation’. Petrol. Tech. 189, 47-52.
Telford W. M., Geldart L. P., Sheriff R. E. & Keys D. A. (1976), Applied Geophysics. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge,, p. 860.
Todd D. K. (1980), Groundwater Hydrology, 2 edn. John Wiley and Sons, New York, p. 535.
Waxman H. J. & Smits L. J. M. (1968), ‘Electrical conductivities in oil-bearing shaly sands’, Trans. Am. Inst. Min. Eng., 243, 107-122.
Waxman H. J. & Thomas E. C. (1974), ‘Electrical conductivities in shaly sands – I. The relation between hydrocarbon saturation and resistivity index. II. The temperature coefficient of electrical conductivity’, Trans. Am. Inst. Min. Eng., 257, 213-225.

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Article Type: Research Article

Keyword(s): cation exchange; clays; formation factor; ground-water; lithology; porosity; resistivity

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Interpretation of lithology from the formation resistivity of unconsolidated argillaceous/arenaceous sediments

Abstract

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