Page 338 - Geology and Geochemistry of Oil and Gas

GLOSSARY 299
Bioclastic Skeletal-derived sediments. Syn: Biogenic, Skeletal-
organic.
Bioerosion Removal of generally consolidated sediments by the
boring, scraping, chewing, and rasping activities of
organisms.
Biogenic Sediments or rocks, or mineral deposits whose origin
is related to organic activity. Syn: Organic.
Bioherm Mass of rock with varying amounts of topographic
relief above sea floor that has been constructed by
organisms.
Biolithite General term for reef rocks that have accumulated as
a result of the activity of organisms. Partial syn:
Boundstone.
Biostrome Bedded and widely extensive, or broadly lenticular,
blanket-like mass of rock constructed by organisms.
Biota All organisms that are living or have lived in an area,
including animals and plants.
Bioturbation The disruption of sedimentary strata and included
sedimentary/biotic structures by the burrowing
or grazing activities of organisms. Syn: Burrow
mottling.
Bit The rock-cutting tool attached at the working end of
the drilling string. Syn: Drill (or drilling) bit.
Bitumen A generic term for natural, inflammable substances
that are composed of a mixture of hydrocarbons that
are substantially free of oxygenated bodies.
Block diagram An illustration, in which parts of machine or a
process are represented by blocks or similar symbols,
connected by straight lines or arrows. Syn: Flowchart.
Blowout Blowing out of gas and fluids when excessive well
pressure exceeds the pressure of the drilling fluid
head.
Blowout preventer, BOP Device consisting of a series of hydraulically
controlled rams and inflatable bags to prevent the
blowout of a well.
Bottom fraction Heavier components of petroleum, which remain
after the lighter ends have been removed (distilled
out).
Boundstone General term for reef rock that has accumulated
as a result of the activity of organisms; or
non-reef rock that has accumulated as a
result of extensive syndepositional marine
lithification.
Bound water The thin layer of water, which adheres to the surface
of shales and is not producible.