Oil and Gas Developments in Michigan in 1984

Abstract

For the 16th consecutive year, exploratory and development drilling for Middle Silurian Niagaran reefs dominated Michigan's oil and gas drilling activity. In 1984, 52% of the wells drilled had Niagaran objectives. Devonian Detroit River sour zone and Richfield zone targets were the next most popular objectives, accounting for 16% of the drilling. The remaining drilling objectives were spread throughout Paleozoic rocks from the Mississippian to the Lower Ordovician. Exploration resulted in 68 new discoveries, 74% of which were Niagaran reef reservoirs. As the major oil companies drilling in Michigan turn their attention to Silurian Clinton and Ordovician Trenton-Black River and Prairie du Chien prospects, a rapidly growing number of independents are significantly extending the geographic limits and lifetime of the northern reef trend exploration. Exploration and development footage was 1,832,945 ft exploratory and 1,839,541 ft development compared with 1,336,741 ft exploratory and 1,802,431 ft development drilled in 1983. An additional 68,874 ft is credited to facility or service wells drilled in 1984. Gas production rose in 1984 while oil production declined. Preliminary figures show that Michigan produced 30,887,665 bbl of oil and 144,260 mmcf of gas.