Oil and Gas Developments in Michigan in 1940: ABSTRACT

Abstract

The southwestern part of Michigan was the center of oil and gas activity for the state during the greater part of 1940 with activity increasing in the Basin area as the year closed. The discovery and partial development of two new shallow Stray sand (Mississippian) gas areas and important extensions elsewhere have increased materially the gas reserves of the state. Gas production during 1940 was approximately 40 per cent greater than in the previous year. Dispite numerous oil discoveries and extensions to proved areas, the additions to known oil reserves were of no great consequence. Oil production for 1940 was actually sixteen per cent less than in 1939 but a general strengthening in price partly offset this decline. Several geophysical parties were reported operating in the Southern Peninsula but core testing seemed to be the favored exploratory method. The search for new deep producing zones has received some encouragement. In the Basin substantial gas showings were encountered in the basal Salina (Silurian). In southwestern Michigan showings of oil were reported at the approximate horizon of the St. Peter sandstone. End_of_Article - Last_Page 944------------