E. L. Bigelow
Atlas Wireline Services, Western Atlas International, Inc., Houston, Texas
ABSTRACT
Stratigraphic dipmeter interpretations are successful only when offset wells prove the correctness of the dip analysis. Dip interpretation requires competent data acquisition and effective processing methods if the desired interpretative results are to be obtained. The importance of understanding the messages conveyed from computed dip data with respect to the original depositional setting manifests itself. Too often, over-simplified interpretations of red- and blue-colored dip patterns mislead the analyst who does not understand why, when, and how certain dips or dip patterns originated, and where to look for them on the computed dip arrow plot. A distinct mental image of the needed sedimentary setting is essential to successful stratigraphic dip analyses.