Lecture 53: Groundwater Exploration -15 - Spontaneous potential logging

This lecture continues the topic of geophysical well logging, focusing on spontaneous potential (SP) logging and other logging methods. SP logging measures the natural electric potentials in the borehole, influenced by electrochemical and electrokinetic effects, with the SP curve indicating variations in formation salinity. SP values can be used to infer the salinity of formation water relative to drilling mud, though the method has limitations and is most reliable for brackish or saline waters. The lecture also covers other logging techniques such as radiation, acoustic, and temperature logging, which provide additional information on rock properties, fluid content, and well conditions. These methods, including radiation logging and sonic logging, enhance the interpretation of borehole conditions by offering insights into rock density, porosity, and the well’s physical state.