Log jammin': transforming well logs to music

Robert R. Stewart, Samantha Brough

Physical data, such as radioactivity measurements on a Geiger counter or well-log values, can be mapped to audible sounds using various transformations. This process, sometimes called sonification or audification, can provide a sequence of sounds that have an interpretable or even musical quality. We use well logs from the Blackfoot oilfield of southern Alberta and the White Rose oilfield of offshore Newfoundland, in an audification process, to create somewhat musical pieces. The audible realization of well logs may provide an alternative realm for petrophysical interpretation which could enable more immediate recognition of various lithologic conditions. This procedure may also prove useful for disabled log analysts as well as in general education and entertainment.