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Log Evaluation of
Shaly Sandstones:
A Practical Guide <
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George B.Asquith
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I Texas TechNLJniversity
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\ Continuing Education
Course Note Series #31

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' a Published By:
The Amemdan Association of Petroleum Geologists
Tulsa, Oklahoma USA

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 Log Evaluation of Shaly Sandstone
Reservoirs: A Practical Guide
GEORGE B. ASQUITH

A NOTE TO THE READER

The intent of this text is to provide you with a simplified review of shaly sand well log analysis.
Voluminous literature exists on the subject and the intent of this work is not to replicate it. Rather, I hope
you will find this work useful as a quick look, ready reference guide. Because of the important effects that
shale or clay have on both reservoir quality and well log response, a working knowledge of the subject
provides a necessary basis for accurate log analysis. Techniques illustrated in the text help you make better
decisions about the productive potential of shaly reservoirs and also help you more effectively map shaly
sandstones. Shaly sand techniques are presented for old (pre-porosity) logs and for modern logging suites.
Both "old" and "new" techniques are needed in order to maximize the use of existing log data. Many of the
logs we work with are older logs and often even newer wells are logged with an incomplete log suite. This
text demonstrates that although many older methods have limitations, they can still be surprisingly effective
in an evaluation of shaly reservoirs.
Two invaluable publications on shaly sand well log analysis for those who want to pursue a more in-
depth study are: The Shaly Sand Reprint Volume, published by the Society of Professional Well Log
Analysts, edited by W. H. Lang; and Log Analysis of Sand-Shale Sequences—A Systematic Approach, by
Poupon, et al.

George B. Asquith
Adobe Chair of Petroleum Geology
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, Texas

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter Page
1. Introduction ..... . ................. ............................................................ . .
.. .......................... .. S
...

2. Nature of Clay Minerals and Shale ·································�·········· ································ 9

General ......................................................................................................................... 9
Shale or Clay Distribution in Shaly Sands ...........................................................9
Clay Minerals and Resistivity Logs ......................................................................12
Clay Minerals and Porosity Logs ..........................................................................13
3. Shaly Sand Analysis ........................ . .
... ...
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.. ....... .
.... ..... .
... . .... . .......... . .... ..
..... lS
...

General ......................................................................................................................15
Determination of Volume of Clay .........................................................................15
Correction of Porosity Logs for Volume of Clay ................................................16
Development of Shaly Sand Analysis 1950s through 1980s ............................17
Shaly Sand Log Analysis Guidelines ...................................................................25
4. Bulk Volume Water and Porosity Mapping in Shaly Sandstones ....................... 27
General ......................................................................................................................27
Bulk Volume Water, Porosity, and Pemteability ................................................27
Bulk Volume Water (BVW) and Porosity Mapping of
Shaly Red Fork Sands in Oklahoma ....................................................................27
5. Shaly Sand Case Studies .............................................................................................35
General .......................................................................................................................35
Pennsylvanian Cottage Grove Sandstone, Anadarko Basin ............................35
Cretaceous Pictured Cliffs Sandstone, San Juan Basin ......... . ......................... . 40
.

Permian Spraberry Sandstone, Midland Basin ................................................ ..45

Plio-Pleistocene Sand, Gulf of Mexico ................................................................ 50
Mississippian Chester Sandstone, Kansas ..........................................................54
6. RefeTences Cited ............................................................................................................58

8. Nomenclature.................................................................................................................58

7. Appendix I ............ ........ ..

. ....... . ...... . ..
. .. .......... .
... .. .............................. . ,.........................59
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8. Appendix II ........................ ,
• ............................................ .................... ......................... 59

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 ABOUT THE AUTHOR

George B. Asquith—Dr. Asquith is presently the Adobe Chair of Petroleum Geology, Department of
Geosciences at Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas. Dr. Asquith received his Ph.D. from the University of
Wisconsin in 1966, and since that time has worked for ARCO Research, Search Drilling Company, Pioneer
Production Company, and Mesa Limited Partnership. He also taught previously at West Texas State
University. Besides being a member of the AAPG, Dr. Asquith is a member of the SPWLA, SEPM, AIPG,
and has served as Vice President and President of the PGS. He has written more than 30 articles and abstracts
on carbonate and sandstone petrology, sedimentation, and computer geology. He has been involved in several
AAPG training programs and publications, including the Handbook of Log Evaluation Techniques For
Carbonate Reservoirs (AAPG Methods in Exploration Series, #5), Basic Well Log Analysis For Geologists
(AAPG Methods in Exploration Series, #3), and the present new course note: Log Evaluation of Shaly
Sandstones: A Practical Guide. He is involved in two short courses: How To Evaluate Carbonate Reservoirs
From Well Logs, and Formation Evaluation of Shaly Sand Reservoirs (from which his new course note has
evolved). He is also involved in a school, Well Log Analysis, as the Science Advisor. The AAPG is
appreciative of Dr. Asquith's contributions over the years to the dissemination of information to geologists.

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