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Multiscale segmentation of well logs

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Abstract

Examination of well logs leads to the observation that they exhibit characteristic behavior over a wide range of scales, differing from a foot to hundreds of feet. This behavior is not accounted for in conventional segmentation methods. The segmentation method that is proposed here aims to solve this problem. It is based on a multiscale representation of the well log. This is a representation of the well log at different levels of smoothness. The behavior of edges, which are associated with extrema of the first derivative, across scales is of great importance in the segmentation. Analysis of this behavior leads to a multiscale segmentation of the well log, in which a fine-scale segment is a part of one coarse scale segment only. In this way the geologist is able to analyze the log at different scales simultaneously. An extension of this approach is not to preserve all fine-scale information but to zoom in only on parts of the log where it is considered to be of interest.

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Vermeer, P.L., Alkemade, J.A.H. Multiscale segmentation of well logs. Math Geol 24, 27–43 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00890086

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00890086

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