Exploration Developments in Colorado-Nebraska, 1965-1966: ABSTRACT

Abstract

During the past 12 months, total exploration and development drilling in the Denver basin maintained the relatively low but consistent plateau established during the previous year. Approximately 80-90% of the tests were drilled by independent operators. Major oil companies have been active in development drilling, secondary-recovery projects, and exploration in pre-Cretaceous formations, particularly the Permian and Pennsylvanian. Significant discoveries in the Cretaceous D and J sandstone bodies were found in the older so-called fairway part of the basin. Here both subsurface control and land are available. In the available-land category are Logan and Morgan Counties, Colorado, and Cheyenne County, Nebraska. Seismic activity took place only in the following areas: Weld County, east of Black Hollow field, the extreme southern part of the basin in Crowley and Pueblo Counties, and in the evaluation of D and J sandstone prospects. The Colorado and Nebraska legislatures passed involuntary unitization laws. This, together with improved secondary-recovery methods, should increase ultimate recovery and profit on a per-well basis. Largely because of the increased number of tests and information available, a few companies are using computers in their exploration programs. The exploration pattern established during the past few years should continue. End_of_Article - Last_Page 2029------------