Permafrost or permanently frozen ground covers a large portion of the arctic sedimentary basins of Canada and Alaska. The thickness of the permafrost layer varies up to a maximum of 1300 Some accumulations of hydrocarbons in the permafrost have been reported. First, a method is described for establishing the temperature distribution around a well bore in these unique surroundings. Then, the basic borehole environments which might occur under a variety of drilling and completion programs are discussed. The laboratory determined data is presented to show the effects of below freezing temperatures upon fluid and rock properties. At their freezing points, brine saturated rocks exhibit marked changes in both their electrical and acoustical properties. Finally an interpretation from actual field logs, based on the previously described investigation, is given. These studies show that a knowledge of temperature distribution and variations in physical properties with temperature are essential to a correct quantitative interpretation of well logs from permafrost. The proper field procedures prior to logging also are important.

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