Answer:
Core analysis reports often show depths broken into increments of 1/2 feet because it provides a more detailed and accurate representation of the geologic layers present in the subsurface. By breaking the depth into smaller increments, geologists can more accurately depict the thickness and distribution of different geologic units and identify any changes or variations within those units. This can be especially important in cases where the geology is complex or there are small variations in the subsurface that could have significant impacts on the exploration or development of a resource.
In some cases, core analysis reports may show depths in whole feet rather than 1/2 feet. This is usually done when the geology is relatively simple and there are no significant variations within the geologic units being analyzed. In these cases, showing the depths in whole feet may be sufficient to accurately represent the geology and meet the needs of the project.
Ultimately, the decision to show depths in 1/2 feet or whole feet will depend on the specific needs of the project and the complexity of the geology being analyzed. Both approaches can be useful for different purposes and it is important to choose the one that is most appropriate for the task at hand.