Reference Borehole Research Articles

Analysis of rock mass borehole temperatures with vertical heat exchanger

The goal of the article is to analyze the distribution and changes of temperatures in boreholes with the rock mass/fluid tubular heat exchangers used as an energy source for the heat pump. It also aims at documenting changes of temperatures in the rock mass during stagnation and heat extraction, and to compare the temperatures in the active and referential borehole. The testing results showed that temperatures of the rock mass reached a minimal value of 1.3°C at depths of 9 m and 20 m with maximal heat extraction corresponding to minimal air temperatures. The temperatures of the rock mass increased near the end of the heating season to values which correspond to the initial values. The temperature differences of the rock mass between the reference borehole and active boreholes increased to up to 10.5 K during the heating season. However, the temperature differences at the end of the heating season between the reference and active boreholes dropped back to 0.5–1.1 K.  

Weathering variations in a granitic massif and related geotechnical properties through seismic and electrical resistivity methods

ABSTRACTMapping and distribution with depth of alteration in rocks is critical in engineering planning because it has a fundamental impact on the geotechnical properties of the materials. Lateral heterogeneity on a weathered rock massif makes boreholes inadequate for its complete characterization. Geophysical methods increase spatial sampling along the study area and can be related to geotechnical parameters, so subsoil conditions can be better understood.In order to determine its geotechnical qualities and variability along two different profiles, we attempt to characterize a granite massif in north‐west Spain by the integration of results from seismic refraction, multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) and electrical resistivity tomography methods (ERT). The study area, the so‐called Carlés granite, shows all the weathering grades from sandy soil to fresh rock. A reference borehole where samples were taken and laboratory measurements were made, serves as a direct check for the results of one of the profiles, the other being interpreted without any direct information. This approach has permitted the evaluation of the advantages and limitations of each geophysical method and created an accurate geotechnical model of the massif, correlating physical and geotechnical parameters such as rock quality designation, weathering grade, or standard penetration test.The field seismic velocities have been compared with the ultrasonic measurements at the laboratory, permitting an evaluation of the field and laboratory elastic constants. The trend in the values of these parameters agrees with the field and laboratory test for the shallow parts of the massif. However, unrealistic elastic constants have been obtained for fresh rock based on the results of the field experiments. This is related to an apparent underestimation of the velocity of seismic S‐waves for the deepest layers. This fact suggests that the methodology followed throughout this work is able to provide a full geotechnical model of an altered rock massif for the first tens of metres, discriminating between different weathered levels. It is also useful and reliable when inferring elastic constants for depths of up to 20 m. However, its validity becomes doubtful with depth, so care must be taken when calculating elastic moduli and trying to extrapolate directly to a rock massif.

Paleogene biostratigraphy of the North Caspian region based on dinocysts and nannofossils from the Novouzensk borehole. Article 2: Biotic events and paleoecological settings

The relatively complete late Danian-initial Lutetian succession of biotic events, which are suitable to serve as biostratigraphic reference levels for interregional correlations are defined in the section of the Novouzensk reference borehole based on dinocyst and nannoplankton assemblages. The analysis of palynological and nannofossil assemblages allows dynamics of basin development and sea-level fluctuations to be traced. Three major stages reflecting different sedimentation regimes are established in the borehole section: (1) Danian with terrigenous-carbonate sedimentation regime corresponding to the Algai and Tsyganovka formations; (2) Selandian-Thanetian (initial Eocene included) characterized largely by siliceous-terrigenous sediments of the Syzran, Novouzensk, and, partly, Bostandyk formations; (3) Ypresian-Lutetian with the carbonate-terrigenous sedimentation regime corresponding to the upper part of the Ypresian Bostandyk and Lutetian Kopterek formations. The composition of dinoflagellate and nannoplankton assemblages characterizes the North Caspian basin as an internal largely shallow sea with a changeable temperature regime. The paleoecological analysis of phytocoenoses made it possible to define basin fluctuations comparable with third-order rhythms. Four Danian rhythms definable in the Algai and Tsyganovka formations indicate conditions of an open warm-water basin. Dynamics of the step-wise shoaling of the basin was characteristic of the Selandian-early Thanetian ages with subsequent restoration of the marine regime in the late Thanetian. The Syzran Formation corresponds to two Selandian rhythms, which were formed in shallower settings of the restricted sea basin. Four Thanetian rhythms are established in the Novouzensk Formation. The early Thanetian basin was characterized by the shallowest disturbed marine conditions, which were followed by the restored normal marine regime in the late Thanetian. Six Ypresian rhythms correspond to the Bostandyk Formation (Yp-0, Yp-1, Yp-5-Yp-8) reflecting transition from initial Ypresian coastal (Yp-0, Yp-1) to normal marine conditions during the Yp-5 rhythm. The early (Yp-2-Yp-4) and late (Yp-9-Yp-10) Ypresian corresponded to the sedimentation break. Most abundant and diverse microbiotic assemblages characteristic of the Yp-7 rhythm are correlative with the EECO event. The marly Kopterek Formation corresponding to the early Lutetian rhythm (Lu-1) is characterized by diverse thermophilic biota.

Paleogene biostratigraphy of the North Circum-Caspian region (implication of the dinocysts and nannoplankton from the Novouzensk reference borehole), Part 1: Age substantiation and correlation of deposits

Eight zonal dinocyst assemblages and three bio stratigraphic units ranked as “beds with flora” are first distinguished in the Danian—lower Lutetian interval of the Paleogene succession, penetrated by the reference borehole Novousensk no. 1, where eight standard and one local nannoplankton zones are simultaneously recognized. The direct correlation of nannoplankton and dinocyst zones is used to refine the paleon-tological substantiation and stratigraphic position of regional lithostratigraphic units, ranges of hiatuses, and the correlation with the general stratigraphie scale. The nannoplankton of the Danian NP2 Cruciplacolithus tenuis and NP3 Chiasmolithus danicus zones is characteristic of the Algai Formation (Fm). The nannoplankton of the NP4 Coccolithus robustus Zone and dinocysts of the D3a Alterbidinium circulum Zone from the Tsyganovo Fm characterizes the Danian top. The Lower Syzran Subformation (Subfm) corresponds to the upper part of the NP4 Coccolithus robustus Zone (Neochiastizygus junctus local zone) and to the D3b (part) Cerodinium depressum Zone of the Selandian dinocysts. The latter spans part of the Upper Syzran Subformation, whose characteristic nannofossils are the nannoplankton of the NP5 Fasciculithus tympaniformis Zone and the dinocysts of the D3b (part) Isabelidinium? viborgense Zone of the Selandian. The Novouzensk Fm is represented by a succession of the dinocyst Cerodinium markovae Beds and the standard D4c Apectodinium hyperacanthum Zone of the upper Thanetian. The coccolitophorids of the lower Thanetian NP6 Heliolithus kleinpelli Zone occur at the formation base. The Bostandyk Fm includes successive bio stratigraphie units of the Ypresian. In the dinocyst scale, these are the D5a Apectodinium augustum Zone, the Pterospermella Beds (DEla Zone of the North Sea scale), and zones DBlb-c Deflandrea oebisfeldensis, D7c Dracodinium varielon-gitudum, and D8 Dracodinium politum—Charlesdowniea coleothrypta, while units of the nannoplankton scale correspond to the NP12 Martasterites tribrachiatus and NP13 Discoaster lodoensis zones. The Kopterek Fm yields Lutetian nannofossils: the nannoplankton of the NP14 Discoaster sublodoensis Zone and the dinocysts of the Wetzeliella coronata—Areosphaeridium diktyoplokum Beds. Three meaningful hiatuses are established at the Danian base, Selandian top, and in the lower Ypresian.

Estimation of aquifer hydraulic parameters from surface geophysical measurements: a case study of the Upper Cretaceous aquifer, central Sinai, Egypt

The integration of geophysical data with direct hydrogeological measurements can provide a minimally invasive approach to characterize the subsurface at a variety of resolutions and over many spatial scales. The field of hydrogeophysics has attracted much attention during the last two decades. In this domain, the geophysical data inverted to geophysical models are interpreted in terms of the hydrogeology to serve as a basis for the definition of hydraulic models in the areas of interest. The hydraulic conductivity (K) value measured in a reference borehole has been combined with the electrical conductivity obtained from nearby geo-electromagnetic sounding data in the Cenomanian (Upper Cretaceous) aquifer, central Sinai, Egypt. The resulting relation was interpreted with Dar Zarrouk parameters to infer the transmissivity variations at other vertical electrical sounding locations, where K values are unknown. Coincident transient electromagnetic data have been adopted to increase accuracy while interpreting the aquifer geoelectrical properties. The results indicate that the transmissivity values in the aquifer of interest vary from 2,446 to 9,694 m2/day, and K varies from 12.9 to 57.0 m/day throughout the studied area.

Palynological characterization of Givetian-Frasnian deposits in the reference Borehole section 1-Balneologicheskaya (Southern Timan)

A succession of seven palynological assemblages characterizing the Yuzhnyi Timan, Taman, Ust-Yarega, Domanik, and Vetlosyan formations of the southern Timan is established in the Givetian-Frasnian deposits recovered by Borehole 1-Balneologicheskaya and studied in detail. Five individual zones, which are distinguished within stratigraphic range of the optivus-krestovnicovii miospore zone, can be of basic importance for a high-resolution stratigraphic subdivision of the sedimentation stage under consideration. Phytostratigraphic boundary corresponding to the Frasnian Stage base in the East European platform is substantiated in palynological aspect.

Genetic Model and Exploration Guidelines for Kaolin Beneath Unconformities in the Lower Cretaceous Fluvial Chaswood Formation, Nova Scotia

Potentially commercial deposits of kaolin are found in the fluvial Lower Cretaceous Chaswood Formation, the sedimentologically proximal equivalent of deltaic sediments of the offshore Scotian basin. The geological setting of the kaolin deposits has been interpreted from high-resolution seismic-reflection profiles and boreholes, and mineralogical studies on one reference borehole. The kaolin is a product of early diagenesis involving meteoric water below the water table. The distribution of kaolin is controlled by the presence of intraformational unconformities that were sites of ground water recharge, and are marked by the development of oxisols above the water table. Such diagenesis was facilitated by interbedded, loosely consolidated, permeable sandstone. The highest-grade kaolin deposits are found in areas close to river belts, where overbank muds were not sufficiently drained to develop paleosols, but where later uplift created intraformational unconformities. In the sandstone, meteoric water flow altered feldspars to kaolin, thus yielding commercial silica sand deposits. It also altered ilmenite to rutile, which is concentrated as secondary placers in modern rivers that have eroded the Chaswood Formation and tills derived therefrom.

Early Aptian δ13C and manganese anomalies from the historical Cassis-La Bédoule stratotype sections (S.E. France): relationship with a methane hydrate dissociation event and stratigraphic implications

Comparison of oxygen and carbon isotope and manganese evolution curves in bulk carbonate from the historical Bedoulian stratotype (Cassis-La Bedoule area, Provence, France) reveals an important geochemical event (negative δ 13 C and high Mn content) located within the D. deshayesi ammonite Zone and at the base of the R. hambrowi ammonite Subzone. This worldwide event, which can be observed in environments ranging from the fluvial to the pelagic realm (Selli/Goguel level), seems to be related to methane hydrate destabilization. Scenarios for manganese, carbon and oxygen evolutions are proposed for early Bedoulian oxic conditions and for dysoxic/anoxic conditions related to methane hydrate destabilization at the early/late Bedoulian transition. The impacts of this global event on the biosphere (nannoconid crisis) and its stratigraphic implications are considered. Comparison of geochemical and biostratigraphical data from the Cassis-La Bedoule stratotype with that of the Cismon- Apticore reference borehole shows that the La Bedoule sequence records geochemical evolution during the Goguel/Selli Event in more detail than that of any other previously published section.

Aptian lithostratigraphy and biostratigraphy (foraminifera) of block 49 in the southern North Sea (U.K. sector)

Abstract. Strata of Aptian age in block 49 of the southern North Sea (U.K.) are reviewed in terms of lithostratigraphy, wireline log character and foraminiferal fauna. In some boreholes, the basal part of the Middle Holland Shale Member is interpreted as Late Aptian in age while the Lower Holland Marl Member is interpreted as Late to Early Aptian in age. The foraminiferal biostratigraphy of the Aptian strata in the designated reference borehole, 49/25-1, for the Dutch lithostratigraphical scheme in the U.K. southern North Sea is discussed briefly.

A NEW APPROACH TO THE INVERSION OF SEISMIC DATA*

ABSTRACTA new inversion method for seismic reflection data is based on impedance concepts and uses transformations to reduce the essentially non‐linear problem to a linear eigenvalue formulation without approximation. A set of reflection data has been inverted using this method. The characteristic impedances of the layers so determined are compared with log data from a reference borehole.

A note on the Early Cretaceous biostratigraphy (foraminifera) of borehole 49/24-1 (Shell/Esso) in the southern North Sea

Abstract. Borehole 49/24-1 (Shell/Esso), which is the reference borehole for the Lower Cretaceous Cromer Knoll Group in the southern North Sea, is subdivided lithostratigraphically and biostratigraphically. The resulting stratigraphy is briefly compared to onshore U.K. outcrop and borehole sections of comparable age and lithofacies. The regional stratigraphical implications for the correlation of offshore and onshore sections of Lower Cretaceous (Albian) strata are briefly discussed.

LOWER CRETACEOUS LITHOSTRATIGRAPHY NE OF THE SOLE PIT AREA IN THE UK SOUTHERN NORTH SEA

Seven boreholes from block 49, UK sector have been divided lithostratigraphically to illustrate the degree of comparison between the Dutch and British lithostratigraphical schemes for the Lower Cretaceous of the southern North Sea.The two schemes differ in scope and finesse, with the Dutch scheme offering more subdivisions. Both are applicable to boreholes in the British as well as the Dutch sectors of the southern North Sea. Borehole 49/25‐1 (Shell/Esso) is designated as the reference borehole in the British sector to illustrate the Dutch scheme.The Upper Holland Marl Member is considered to be equivalent to the Red Chalk formation while the Speeton Formation is divided into the equivalent of the Middle Holland Shale Member, Lower Holland Marl Member and the Vlieland Shale Member of the Dutch sector scheme.