Applications of cross section data for nuclear geochemical well logging

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Abstract
Geochemical analyses of oil bearing formations, based on nuclear techniques, are often limited by the current level of uncertainties on neutron cross section data. The problems created for nuclear geochemistry are most acute in the areas of high energy neutron scattering, inelastic neutron scattering gamma-ray production, and production of prompt gamma rays and delayed activations generated by (n,p) and (n,α) reactions for neutron energies up to 14 MeV. We will present examples illustrating the ways in which spectroscopic measurements are used for geochemical applications and how the uncertainties in the nuclear cross section data affect the usefulness of the results. Particular elements that cause significant problems in the analysis are emphasized.