well logging: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Specialized (Geology, Petroleum Engineering)
Quick answer
What does “well logging” mean?
The practice and process of making a detailed record (a 'log') of the geological formations penetrated by a borehole (oil, gas, or water well) using various instruments.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The practice and process of making a detailed record (a 'log') of the geological formations penetrated by a borehole (oil, gas, or water well) using various instruments.
Any systematic recording of physical, chemical, or other properties of borehole formations as a function of depth, used primarily in the oil and gas industry for exploration and evaluation. Methods include electrical, radioactive, acoustic, and imaging logs.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The activity and terminology are globally standardized in the industry. Spelling may follow local conventions (e.g., 'analyse' vs. 'analyze' in related documentation).
Connotations
No different connotations. Purely technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in general discourse in both regions, but standard within the relevant technical fields.
Grammar
How to Use “well logging” in a Sentence
The engineers performed well logging on the new borehole.Well logging involves lowering sensors into the well.The data from well logging was crucial.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “well logging” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The service company will log the well next Tuesday.
- They haven't logged this section of the borehole yet.
American English
- We need to log the well before completing it.
- The crew is logging the production zone now.
adverb
British English
- This is not a standard adverbial form for this term.
American English
- This is not a standard adverbial form for this term.
adjective
British English
- The well-logging contractor arrived on site.
- We reviewed the well-logging results.
American English
- He is a well-logging specialist.
- The well-logging data was transmitted in real-time.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In oil & gas company reports: 'The well logging results confirmed commercial hydrocarbon reserves.'
Academic
In petroleum engineering journals: 'This study compares the efficacy of neutron and density well logging in shale formations.'
Everyday
Extremely unlikely. If used: 'My brother works offshore; his job involves something called well logging.'
Technical
Standard term in operation manuals: 'Ensure the well logging tool string is calibrated before deployment.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “well logging”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “well logging”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “well logging”
- Using 'well' as an adverb: 'They logged the data well.' (Incorrect in this context)
- Using the plural 'wells logging' instead of the compound noun 'well logging' (e.g., 'the science of well logging').
- Confusing with 'data logging' (general electronic recording) or 'logging' (forestry).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Drilling is the physical process of creating the borehole. Well logging is the measurement and recording process that happens during or after drilling to analyse the formations drilled through.
Yes, the principles can be applied to water wells (hydrogeological logging), but the term is most dominantly associated with the hydrocarbon industry.
It is typically a long, vertical graph or chart showing different measured parameters (like resistivity, density, radioactivity) plotted against depth on the vertical axis.
Mud logging is a specific type of well logging that analyses drill cuttings and drilling fluid, whereas 'well logging' is the broader category including electrical, acoustic, and nuclear methods.
The practice and process of making a detailed record (a 'log') of the geological formations penetrated by a borehole (oil, gas, or water well) using various instruments.
Well logging is usually technical/specialized (geology, petroleum engineering) in register.
Well logging: in British English it is pronounced /ˌwel ˈlɒɡɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌwel ˈlɔːɡɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To run a log”
- “Logging run”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a ship's LOG book, but for a WELL: recording every layer it goes through, like keeping a detailed diary of the Earth's crust.
Conceptual Metaphor
The borehole is a window; well logging is taking a series of scientific photographs/measurements through that window.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary industry that uses the term 'well logging'?