Basalt-flow imaging using a high-resolution directional borehole radar

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Abstract

A new high-resolution directional borehole radar-logging tool (DBOR tool) was used to log three wells at the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL). The radar system uses identical directional cavity-backed monopole transmitting and receiving antennas that can be mechanically rotated while the tool is stationary or moving slowly in a borehole. Faster reconnaissance logging with no antenna rotation was also done to find zones of interest. The microprocessor-controlled motor/encoder in the tool can rotate the antennas azimuthally, to a commanded angle, accurate to a within few degrees. The three logged wells in the unsaturated zone at the INEEL had been cored with good core recovery through most zones. After coring, PVC casing was installed in the wells. The unsaturated zone consists of layered basalt flows that are interbedded with thin layers of coarse-to-fine grained sediments. Several zones were found that show distinctive signatures consistent with fractures in the basalt. These zones may correspond to suspected preferential flow paths. The DBOR data were compared to core, and other borehole log information to help provide better understanding of hydraulic flow and transport in preferential flow paths in the unsaturated zone basalts at the INEEL.
Publication type Conference Paper
Publication Subtype Conference Paper
Title Basalt-flow imaging using a high-resolution directional borehole radar
DOI 10.1117/12.462208
Volume 4758
Year Published 2002
Language English
Larger Work Title Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
First page 13
Last page 18
Conference Title 9th International Conference on Ground Penetrating Radar
Conference Location Santa Barbara, CA
Conference Date 29 April 2002 through 2 May 2002
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