Oil and Gas Developments in Upper Gulf Coast of Texas in 1984

Abstract

Wells drilled in the Upper Gulf Coast of Texas during 1984 totaled 1,973, almost the same as 1983's total of 1,979 wells. Onshore exploratory drilling continued to decrease, with 329 wildcats drilled compared to 426 in 1983 and 505 in 1982. Development drilling accounted for 83% of all onshore wells, up 6% from the 2 previous years. There were 36 new-field discoveries in 1984 with an average depth of 10,163 ft and a success rate of 20%. The 96 other exploratory discoveries had a success rate of 64%. The Oligocene trend was the most active, with 43% of the wildcat drilling, followed by the Eocene trend, with 39%. Offshore exploratory drilling was up sharply from 1983. A total of 57 wildcats were completed during 1984, up from 37 in 1983. Seven wildcats were successful gas completions for a 12% success rate (there were no oil completions). An additional 38 wildcats drilled during 1984 were classified as suspended at year end. Onshore geophysical activity increased in 1984 to 937 crew-weeks from 1983's 894 crew-weeks. Offshore activity hit an all-time high for the third consecutive year with 317.5 crew-weeks.