About this guide
The industry's knowledge base
Wild Well is a global leader in emergency response, well control, subsea operations, and training by offering a range of services to meet the industry's ever-changing needs.
With half a century of experience, we have extensive knowledge in all areas of well control engineering. Ready to learn more? Browse our glossary by specific term or category.
Cavings (Heaving or Spalling Shale)
A large, sometimes splinter-shaped piece of formation (usually shales) that has “caved-in” or fallen from the hole wall due to increasing formation pressure or reduced wellbore stability. Often referred to as large splinter-shaped cuttings, but not technically a cutting from the bit action. May also be referred to as heaving or spalling shales.