We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Materials

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Borehole Logging?

By Amy Hunter
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 18,395
Share

Borehole logging, or well logging, is a process where a probe is dropped into a borehole prior to drilling for oil, gas, water, or minerals. Borehole logging is also performed by environmental organizations, as part of an environmental or geotechnical study. Probes for borehole logging can measure the composition of soils, map the area or provide other relevant information. Borehole logging produces an extremely detailed description of the area.

A well log is a log that records all of the results of the borehole probe. There are two ways to calculate the results. A geological log refers to the process of bringing samples to the surface of the soil for study. A geophysical log is a log created by a special probe lowered into the borehole that gathers the information passively.

Companies that are extracting minerals from underground often use the bore log to determine if the area contains the target minerals. The log measures both fluid and rock underground, which the company can interpret to determine the amount of oil or gas in the area.

Well logging tools are very sensitive, and can measure for radioactivity, electrical currents, electromagnetic waves, and acoustical activity. Bore logging typically takes place from the bottom of the borehole up. The probe is lowered into the borehole, and as the probe is pulled out, it takes measurements to create a geophysical log. Geophysical logging is considered more precise, because the geological measurements are taken on site.

The information recorded on the well log never makes it to the top of the hole; instead, it travels digitally to the company's office. The company will use the data compiled in the bore log to determine if an area has oil or gas reserves, and if it is worthwhile for drilling. The mineral extraction industry is not the only industry that uses borehole drilling. Environmental and geotechnical companies use borehole logging to measure rock formations and characteristics, the thickness of various formations, dips in rocks underground, the location of any fractures, depth of water, types and density of sediment, and temperature.

Some mineral extraction and environmental companies perform their own well logging, others contract the project out. Many companies specialize in well logging, and travel from site to site ahead of the main work crew performing borehole logging. The equipment and expertise required makes it difficult for a small landowner or interested individual to conduct borehole logging. These people typically hire a consultant if they want borehole logs.

Share
About Mechanics is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By anon242258 — On Jan 22, 2012

How does a test borehole differ from a test pit.

By BoatHugger — On Jul 11, 2011

@wesley91- You also have to have good mechanical knowledge. Knowing how to work with different machines and tools is also a necessity. You would need to know how the machines and tools work and how to repair them if they break down.

It’s also good to have great reading comprehension skills and problem solving skills. It’s a pretty intense and scientific job to be a borehole logger.

By momothree — On Jul 11, 2011

@wesley91- I think that you have to at least taken some college courses. Some require a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree. It really depends on the individual company. My brother is a well logger and he has a degree in engineering.

He says that you really have to know a lot of chemistry. You need a basic knowledge of different chemical compositions, substance properties, how some chemicals react with others, etc.

He loves it. He recently did a job in Antarctica. He said that it was exciting working there and it is completely different when you are working with ice and it is very cold!

By wesley91 — On Jul 10, 2011

What kind of training do you need to be able to do borehole logging? Do you have to go to school and obtain some type of degree?

Share
https://www.aboutmechanics.com/what-is-borehole-logging.htm
Copy this link
About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.