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Gamma-Ray Logging and Interpretation

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Book cover Developments in Geophysical Exploration Methods—3

Summary

Gamma-ray logging has evolved from a qualitative estimation of the variation of natural radioactivity with depth in a borehole, using a Geiger-Müller detector, to a sophisticated quantitative logging technique which yields information on the identification and amount of the radioelements present, as well as data on the likely geologic history of mobilisation of these radioelements in the rock. To extract this additional information, a keener appreciation of the natural radioactive decay series, the isotopes involved, their half-lives, the energies of their gamma-rays and the interaction of these gamma-rays with the rock through which they travel is necessary. This has led to the development of improved data acquisition systems (digital logging systems), new methods of data processing (application of digital time series analysis—inverse filtering), the introduction of gamma-ray spectral logging, and improvements in variety and type of detectors to enhance the logging measurements and facilitate the new data processing techniques. Many of the new developments relate primarily to uranium exploration problems but they also have ramifications in other geologic applications of gamma-ray logging.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Geological Survey of Canada, Ottawa, Canada

    P. G. Killeen

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  1. P. G. Killeen
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Formerly of Seismograph Service (England) Limited, Keston, Kent, UK

    A. A. Fitch (Consultant) (Consultant)

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© 1982 Applied Science Publishers Ltd

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Killeen, P.G. (1982). Gamma-Ray Logging and Interpretation. In: Fitch, A.A. (eds) Developments in Geophysical Exploration Methods—3. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-7349-7_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-7349-7_4

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-009-7351-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-009-7349-7

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