Unsupervised Electrofacies Classification and Porosity Characterization in the Offshore Keta Basin Using Wireline Logs

arXiv cs.AI / 5/1/2026

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Key Points

  • The study proposes an unsupervised machine-learning workflow to perform electrofacies analysis in the offshore Keta Basin, Ghana, where core data are scarce.
  • Using six standard wireline logs from Well C across ~11,195 samples, it applies K-means clustering in multivariate log space and evaluates cluster quality with inertia and silhouette metrics.
  • The method identifies four electrofacies clusters with an average silhouette coefficient of about 0.50, suggesting moderate but meaningful separation.
  • The clustered electrofacies show depth-continuous geological patterns linked to clay content, porosity, and rock framework properties, ranging from shale-dominated to cleaner sandstone-dominated units.
  • The authors conclude that log-only, quantitatively validated unsupervised clustering can provide a robust, reproducible framework for early subsurface formation evaluation and future integrated studies.

Abstract

This study presents an unsupervised machine learning workflow for electrofacies analysis in the offshore Keta Basin, Ghana, where core data are scarce. Six standard wireline logs from Well~C were analysed over a depth interval comprising approximately 11{,}195 samples. K-means clustering was applied in multivariate log space, with the clustering structure evaluated using inertia and silhouette diagnostics. Four clusters were identified, supported by an average silhouette coefficient of approximately 0.50, indicating moderate but meaningful separation. The resulting electrofacies exhibit systematic, depth-continuous patterns associated with variations in clay content, porosity, and rock framework properties, forming a geological continuum from shale-dominated to cleaner sandstone-dominated units. The results demonstrate that log-only, unsupervised clustering supported by quantitative metrics provides a robust and reproducible framework for subsurface characterisation. The proposed workflow offers a practical tool for early-stage formation evaluation in frontier offshore basins and a foundation for future integrated studies.