Acoustic Waves in Boreholes

Introducing the first, self-contained reference on acoustic waveform logging

Acoustic measurements in boreholes were first made as a specialized logging technique in geological exploration, but recent advances have greatly expanded the potential applications of this technique. Acoustic Waves in Boreholes provides a thorough review of the theory and interpretation techniques needed to realize these applications, emphasizing the role of guided modes and critically refracted waves in determining the characteristics of recorded waveforms.

Topics covered in this comprehensive volume include the seismic properties of rocks; propagation of axisymmetric waves along fluid-filled boreholes in isotropic rocks; and symmetric and nonsymmetric sources in isotropic, transversely isotropic, and porous, permeable formations in open and cased boreholes. Each chapter includes the theory of synthetic microseismogram computation, interpretation and data inversion techniques illustrated using computed seismograms, and case histories using experimental data. Appendices providing the mathematical formulation needed to compute microseismograms, with a single consistent notation used throughout, are also included in appropriate chapters.

The wide range of geomechanical properties covered in this book will interest exploration geophysicists, reservoir engineers, civil engineers, geologists, and soil scientists.