In drilling terminology, what is a borehole?

A borehole refers to a cylindrical shaft that is created during the drilling process. This definition captures the fundamental aspect of what a borehole is: it is formed when a drill bit penetrates the ground, creating a vertical (or sometimes horizontal) opening into the earth. Boreholes can serve various purposes, including exploration for minerals, groundwater extraction, or as part of geotechnical investigations.

The process of drilling results in this cylindrical shaft, which can vary in diameter and depth depending on the type of drilling operation being conducted. In many drilling applications, especially in the context of mineral exploration or oil drilling, the borehole is an essential feature as it provides access to the subsurface materials and fluids.