1. n. [Formation Evaluation]

For a two-detector density tool, the plot of long-spacing versus short-spacing count rates for different formation densities, mudcake densities and mudcake thicknesses. The plot takes its name from the spine, which is the locus of points with no mudcake, and the ribs, which show the effect of mudcake at certain fixed formation densities. The plot illustrates graphically that for a given formation density there is only one rib for all normal mudcake densities and thicknesses. Thus, although there are three unknowns, it is possible to make a correction using two measurements.

See related terms: azimuthal density,  compensated density log,  delta rho,  density measurement