Some Applications of Geophysical Well Logging to Basalt Hydrogeology

Abstract
The application of borehole geophysics to study of basalt hydrogeology has been pursued at Washington State University for the past six years. Throughout this period much effort has been directed to redesign of commercial geophysical system components and development of expanded downhole capabilities. It has been demonstrated that composite logging techniques can be used to define the hydraulic regime of a well constructed in basalt. Certain of the logging measures, with further study, may become powerful tools for identifying anomalous conditions associated with pollutant dispersion in an aquifer. Positive correlations of basalt with the logging methods have not yet been made over distances greater than 20 miles. However, as improved logging density permits intermediate points of correlation to be established, further extensions are anticipated. Both major and minor log features of the basalts display varying degrees of lateral persistence. Because driller's logs are generally inadequate in describing subtleties of basalt geology, subsurface correlations are best made with geophysical logs. In areas with extensive surficial cover, the geophysical methods may prove to be a very practical method of determining basalt stratigraphy. Geophysical well logging offers to agencies charged with ground‐water management many opportunities for gaining new knowledge which have been largely neglected.

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