New-field Discoveries Research Articles

Golden Lane Fields, Veracruz, Mexico: ABSTRACT

Even though exploration, exploitation, and the discovery of new fields continue along the perimeter of the Golden Lane, the origin of this Cretaceous atoll is still a subject of controversy. The most widely accepted hypothesis is that it is a biohermal reef that began to grow during late Neocomian time on a late Kimeridgian (Late Jurassic) positive element called the Isla de Tuxpan. At some localities within the atoll rim, evaporite, calcarenite, and dolomite are present. Elsewhere, however, the sedimentary rocks are rudistid-bearing limestone or miliolid limestone. The atoll rim consists of a prominent belt of structural culminations underlain by rudistid and/or miliolid limestone. The Jardin No. 35, drilled in 1930, and Mesita No. 1 and Canas No. 101, drilled in 1968, are the only wells which have penetrated the reef core. Data from these wells, however, can be interpreted in more than one way. Notwithstanding the depositional environment in which rudistids are believed to have lived (rudistids are the principal component of this great reef), its morphology (i.e., is it a bioherm, a biostrome, or a combination of the two?) will continue to be a subject of conjecture. Through December 1967 the cumulative production from the Golden Lane fields was approximately 1.25 billion bbl of oil.

Developments in Arkansas, North Louisiana, and East Texas in 1967

In 1967, the Arkansas, North Louisiana, and East Texas district had 604 exploratory tests compared with 602 drilled in 1966. Exploratory drilling increased 2% in Arkansas and 22% in East Texas, but declined 22% in North Louisiana. There was a 7% increase in new-field discoveries in the district. Development drilling within the district declined by 21%. Arkansas had an outstanding success ratio in exploratory drilling, 25% of the tests having been completed as discoveries. Exploratory success ratios in Louisiana and East Texas were approximately the same as in 1966. In Arkansas, most of the 1967 exploratory effort was in search of new pays in, or extensions to, existing fields. As last year, the major exploratory effort in East Texas was in the Jurassic trend where 6 Cotton Valley and 14 Smackover discoveries were made. Louisiana's major exploratory effort was concentrated in the Wilcox producing trend as it has been for the past several years. Seismic exploration continued to decline throughout the district. It is anticipated that exploratory drilling in Arkansas will remain at approximately the 1967 level with more effort concentrated in the Arkoma basin than during the past year. Exploratory effort in East Texas is anticipated to increase in the Jurassic trend in 1968, but to decline in other trends. North Louisiana's exploratory effort in the Wilcox area is expected to remain at about the 1967 level. It is anticipated that exploration for Jurassic production will increase in the northern and northeastern parishes.

Developments in Upper Gulf Coast of Texas in 1967

Exploration activity decreased during 1967, drilling was down 4%, seismograph activity down 40%, and new-field discoveries down 19%. Development wells increased 4% to 693. The Eocene was the most successfully drilled trend, the Oligocene the most actively drilled, and Miocene drilling increased 77%.

Giant Oil and Gas Fields in United States

The great importance of the major or giant oil and gas fields of the United States to the economy and strength of both the petroleum industry and the nation cannot be overemphasized. Such oil fields provided 50.7 percent of the United States production in 1966. It is estimated that they will yield almost 58 percent of the country's ultimate oil production and that they contain approximately 57 percent of the nation's crude reserves. Accompanying this paper are 26 figures and 2 tables which give pertinent data on the 259 oil and 47 gas giants found in the United States. An important fact shown by these charts and tables is that the rate of discovery of new giant fields is declining steadily in nearly all regions of the country. Most of the major fields were discovered by deliberate exploration for structural traps. Some structural tests found, usually by accident, other subtle stratigraphic or paleogeomorphic accumulations. Although only few such accumulations have been found--most of them accidentally--the rate of discovery of stratigraphic and paleogeomorphic traps has been relatively persistent through the years. This persistent though accidental discovery rate indicates that many more such accumulations must be present throughout the country. If exploration is to succeed in finding new reserves for even the near future, geologists and management will have to place a greater emphasis on the search for the subtle traps with large accumulations. The requirements to find these large reservoirs are (1) the focusing of exploratory thinking on the geologic conditions under which such traps and accumulations form, and (2) the purposeful and deliberate drilling of more stratigraphic and paleogeomorphic wildcat tests.

Petroleum Exploration and Production in Europe in 1967

In 1967 oil production in western Europe remained at the same level as in 1966. Natural gas production increased nearly 30% as pipelines were completed to connect the large gas reserves of the northern Netherlands and Germany with consumption centers. In the United Kingdom sector of the North Sea recoverable gas reserves were estimated at 25 Tcf, and the West Sole gas field went on production in March. The most important exploration developments of 1967 were in the North Sea. Wells were drilled in the previously untested northern part of the British offshore area including 2 off northern Scotland, but all were unsuccessful. There were 2 Permian gas discoveries, evidently of small size, in the southern part of the British area. Major extensions were made to the Leman, Hewe t, and Indefatigable fields, and a pipeline was completed from Leman to a shore terminal. Seven wells were active in the Norwegian part of the sea. In the Danish North Sea a follow-up to the initial offshore well drilled in 1966 tested oil and gas. Following completion of another deep well in German waters operations were suspended in that area. The Netherlands, the last of the North Sea countries to enact petroleum legislation, put into effect its Continental Shelf Mining Act, and multiple filings were made by many companies, but no licenses were awarded in 1967. In Austria there were 4 oil and 1 gas discoveries in the Vienna and Molasse basins, and a depth record of 19,714 ft in the pre-Tertiary was made by 1 well, which had indications of commercial production. In France exploration a tivity focused on the Pyrenean border zone. Exploratory wells were unsuccessful, but there were significant extensions to the Meillon gas field. Offshore drilling continued west of the Aquitaine basin in the Bay of Biscay. Two Triassic oil discoveries were made in the Paris basin, but productivity of the wells was low. In Germany fewer and deeper exploratory wells were drilled than in previous years. The chief objective was gas in the Triassic, Permian, and upper Carboniferous of northwest Germany. Seven new-field wildcats were successful and there were 7 new-pool discoveries. An oil discovery at 14,500 ft in the deep part of the Molasse basin of southern Bavaria was the deepest production in Germany. In Italy a new hydrocarbon law was enacted setting forth conditions for exploration of he offshore areas. An important new-field gas discovery was made in the extension of the Po Valley basin into the Adriatic and another well in the sea off mid-peninsular Italy was also a gas discovery. There was little activity in the Netherlands pending the award of exclusive drilling permits, which were granted late in 1967. In the United Kingdom old mining licenses expired and new rights were issued. In Spain exploratory drilling continued at about the same level as in 1966 but without commercial success. Portugal enacted an offshore petroleum law. In Yugoslavia a well on an island in the Adriatic Sea found oil with a high sulfur content. In the Soviet Union production of oil increased to 5,523,000 b/d and of gas to 15,380 MMcf/d. The Central Asia-Central Russia 40-in. pipeline was co pleted to the Moscow area in October, and the large oil fields of the central part of the West Siberian basin were connected by a pipeline to Omsk. A large gas field, Messo-Yakha, was found in the Arctic part of the West Siberian basin. Important gas and oil discoveries were reported in the West Siberian basin and in Central Asia. A new depth record for Eurasia was made by the Aral Sor well north of the Caspian Sea, which drilled to 20,848 ft. In Hungary the Tapo-Algyo oil and gas area south of Budapest developed into the largest in the country. In Poland a gas discovery was made in Lower Silesia, a region not previously productive.

Developments in Louisiana Gulf Coast in 1967

The Louisiana Gulf Coast includes the 38 southern parishes of Louisiana and 16 continental-shelf areas offshore. Oil and gas are produced from strata ranging in age from Cretaceous to Pleistocene. There were 2,111 development and exploratory wells drilled in 1967, 18% fewer than in 1966. Of the 775 exploratory wells, 22% were successful. Of the 17 new-field discoveries (7 onshore and 10 offshore), the most important are: South Judice field, Lafayette Parish; Manchac Point field, West Baton Rouge Parish; Block 207 field, Ship Shoal Area; and Block 144 field, Main Pass Area. The most significant of the new pools and extensions are in Clear Creek field, Allen Parish; West Lake Arthur field, Jefferson Davis Parish; Block 43 field, Grand Isle Area; Block 30 field, West Delta Area; and Block 133 field, West Delta Area. Geophysical activity declined significantly from the previous year. The federal offshore lease sale in June, in which 744,000 acres were sold for $510,079,177, was the largest ever in the Louisiana offshore.

Developments in Arkansas, North Louisiana, and East Texas in 1966

The Arkansas, North Louisiana, and East Texas district had a 7% increase in new-field discoveries during 1966, although exploratory drilling decreased 15%. Development drilling declined 36%, and seismic exploration declined 37%. Exploratory activity was highest in Arkansas, which had the largest drilling program since 1961, a 41.5% increase in wells drilled compared to 1965. An intense search for Smackover production was the primary cause of this increase. This activity is expected to continue in 1967, and, combined with the planned drilling of a 15,000-ft. Paleozoic test in Ashley County by Humble, should give Arkansas another good exploration year. Independent operators conducted most of the exploratory activity in North Louisiana. The Wilcox Group and the Sligo Formation were the chief targets, and the search for oil in these beds is expected to continue in 1967. Exploratory activity in East Texas was essentially in the Smackover trend, but during the year more emphasis was placed on drilling to the Cotton Valley and Paleozoic rocks. It is anticipated that these formations will be explored further during 1967.

Developments in Alaska in 1966

Exploration and development in Alaska during 1966 reached maximum activity. Exploratory drilling resulted in 5 new-field discoveries, 1 new-pool discovery, and 6 successful extensions out of 36 wells drilled. Success was limited to the Cook Inlet basin and the discovery rate decreased from 52% in 1965 to 30% in 1966. Particularly important was the confirmation of the McArthur River field as a giant oil field comparable to Swanson River, Middle Ground Shoal, and Granite Point. Seismic activity increased 31% from 1965. Extensive joint marine surveys were conducted in the Bristol Bay, lower Cook Inlet, and the Gulf of Alaska. Surface geological parties increased 17% from 1965. The Gulf of Alaska and Arctic Slope were the most active basins. State competitive lease sales in the Cook Inlet basin and the Gulf of Alaska brought a total bonus of $7,177,160 for 152,577 acres. The Department of the Interior opened 4,000,000 acres on the Arctic Slope for simultaneous filing. Leasing was slowed by native land claims on approximately 60% of the land area of Alaska. Development drilling increased slightly; 9 oil wells were completed in offshore fields of Cook Inlet. Oil production increased 29% from 1965 to 14,358,212 bbls., and gas production increased 244% to 41,217,032 Mcf. In Cook Inlet 4 new drilling and production platforms were added to the 2 already in operation to drill the vast new offshore oil reserves. Five more platforms, to be erected in 1967, will provide a combined capacity of 400 wells. Dual pipelines 39 mi. long were laid to connect these new platforms to onshore facilities. Laying of a 20 in., 42-mi. pipeline began along the west shore of the Inlet, and will connect the developing west-side fields to a tanker terminal at Drift River. Ground was broken on the Kenai Peninsula near Nikiski for an ammonia-urea plant. The Kenai gas ield will provide the methane feedstock. The shut-in Beluga River gas field is expected to produce gas in 1967 to generate onsite electrical power for transmission to Anchorage.

Petroleum Exploration and Production in Europe in 1966

In 1966 petroleum production in western Europe decreased 3% compared with 1965, with all countries except Yugoslavia and Spain having declining output. Natural gas production increased greatly, chiefly as a result of expansion of pipelines in The Netherlands and Germany, though much greater production from those countries is expected after completion of facilities under construction. In the southern part of the United Kingdom sector of the North Sea, a 1966 discovery, the Leman field, 30 mi offshore, was estimated to have reserves of 6 Tcf of gas in the Lower Permian sandstone. Another field, Hewett, found gas in 2 sandstone members of the Lower Triassic, and an oil discovery was made in a Permian dolomite on another structure. At least 2 other Lower Permian new-field gas discoveries were made. The West Sole gas field, discovered in 1965, was connected to shore by a pipeline. The first wells were completed in the Danish and Norwegian sectors of the North Sea, and drilling continued at a reduced rate in the German sector. No progress was made in enactment of North Sea oil and gas regulations by The Netherlands, and the boundaries between Germany and its neighbors, Denmark and The Netherlands, remained unsettled except for short segments near shore. In Austria a new deep oil discovery was made in Mesozoic limestone in the Vienna basin and other oil and gas discoveries were made in Miocene sandstones in that basin. Three deep wells were drilled through frontal Alpine nappes to total depths in crystalline basement. In France exploration activity declined exce t along the frontal zone of the Pyrenees, where several deep wells were drilled in search of gas. In this area the Meillon gas field was extended 6 mi west and there was also an oil discovery. A new depth record for Europe, 20,686 ft, was made by Meillon No. 2. The first wells were drilled off the French coast and one of these had significant but noncommercial oil shows. In Germany 2 gas discoveries were made. Gas high in nitrogen was found in Lower Permian sandstone in Wustrow, near the East German border. Schnaitsee field in southern Bavaria, was productive in the Oligocene. Important new-pool and extension wells were completed in northwest German gas fields. In Italy significant outpost and new-pool extension wells were completed in the continuation of the Po basin into the Adriatic S a. Several apparently minor gas discoveries were made in peninsular Italy. There was a great decrease in exploration in The Netherlands while new legislation was awaited. A gas discovery was made in Friesland. In Spain there were 2 minor oil discoveries and another exploratory well tested gas. In the United Kingdom an important gas discovery and a smaller one were made in Yorkshire. A gas field south of London found in 1965, was further developed. An oil discovery was made in the Drava Valley of Yugoslavia, and exploration interest in the Adriatic zone increased. A deep test in Spitsbergen was abandoned. In the Soviet Union, oil production increased to more than 5 million b/d and gas production to 14 Bcf/d. Plans were made to connect large gas fields found in recent years in northwestern Siberia to consuming areas in European Russia and possibly to Italy, by a large-diameter pipeline. The first offshore self-elevating drilling platform was placed in operation in the Caspian Sea. An important gas discovery, Achak, was made in Turkmenistan and there were significant oil discoveries in Crimea and in various parts of the Ural-Volga region.

Developments in Louisiana Gulf Coast in 1966

The Louisiana Gulf Coast includes the 38 southern parishes of Louisiana and the 16 continental-shelf areas offshore. Oil and gas are produced from sediments ranging in age from Cretaceous to Pleistocene. There were 2,570 development and exploratory wells drilled in 1966, 12% fewer than in 1965. Of the 875 exploratory wells, 23% were successful. Of the 44 new-field discoveries (21 onshore and 23 offshore), the most important are: Block 133 field, West Delta Area; Coon Point field, Ship Shoal Area; and St. Amelia field, St. James Parish. The most significant of the 185 new pools and extensions include Block 6 field, Main Pass Area; Block 16 field, Grand Isle Area; Block 58 field, West Delta Area; Fordoche field, Pointe Coupee Parish; Bayou Hebert field, Vermilion Parish; and Garden City field, St. Mary Parish. Geophysical and drilling activity declined slightly from the previous year. Lease activity for the total area compared favorably with 1965.

Developments in Alaska in 1965

Exploration in Alaska during 1965 was highlighted by the high success of exploratory drilling. Nineteen exploratory wells were drilled with 52.6% successful oil or gas completions. Seventeen exploratory wells were drilled in the Cook Inlet basin and 10 were successful. Alaska's 5 new-field discoveries were made in this basin, and for the first time oil discoveries were made on the west shore of Cook Inlet. Exploratory drilling is expected to increase in the Cook Inlet basin during 1966 and to continue on the Arctic slope. Geological surface work and geophysical activity decreased during 1965. A marked increase in both is expected during 1966, particularly in geophysical activity in the Cook Inlet basin. It is anticipated there also will be an increase in the Gulf of Alaska and in Bristol Bay. Activity on the Arctic slope is expected to continue at the same rate or to increase slightly. State land sales on the Arctic slope and in Cook Inlet resulted in bonus bids of $10,819,816. Two large blocks of Federal land were released on the Arctic slope. Leasing activity is expected to remain high in 1966. The first oil production from the Middle Ground Shoal field in Cook Inlet was marketed through a newly completed offshore pipeline. Six more pipelines are expected in Cook Inlet in 1966. Development drilling accelerated with the development of the Kenai gas field. Two development wells were drilled in the Middle Ground Shoal field and development drilling in this field is expected to increase greatly during 1966.

Developments in Arkansas, North Louisiana, and East Texas in 1965

During 1965 there were 359 wells drilled in Arkansas, a decline of 7.9% from 1964. Of the successful completions, 113 were oil productive and 46 were gas productive. From these successes, 8 new oil fields, 2 new gas fields, and major extensions to 3 gas fields were established. All of the gas discoveries and extensions were in the Arkoma basin of northern Arkansas. The overall drilling program in Arkansas was 44.3% successful; wildcat wells were 12.0% successful. Total footage drilled was 1,530,240, a decline of 4.5% from 1964. Increased geophysical activity and strong leasing activity indicate an increase in exploratory drilling in 1966. In North Louisiana, 2,640 wells were drilled, 299 less than in 1964. There were 1,220 oil wells completed, 300 gas wells, and 1,120 dry holes. Wildcatting accounted for 348 completions. Total footage drilled was 9,854,958, an increase of 1,171,028 ft. from 1964. The number of fields discovered was much less than the number for 1964. A total of 13 new oil fields and 2 new gas fields was discovered, compared with 22 oil fields and 6 gas fields for 1964. There were 8 oil fields discovered in Concordia Parish, 2 in LaSalle, 1 in Caddo, 1 in Catahoula, and 1 in DeSoto. Gas discoveries were made in DeSoto and Sabine Parishes. Eleven of the oil discoveries were in the Wilcox Group reservoirs, and 1 each was in the Paluxy Sand and Pettet Formation. Two gas fields were discovered in reservoirs of the Tuscaloosa and Tokio Formations. Increased geophysical work and much stronger leasing activity indicate an increase in exploratory drilling in 1966. In East Texas, 229 wildcats and 824 field wells were drilled, an increase of 49 wells above 1964. However, new-field discoveries totaled only 15, a decrease of 6. New-pool discoveries made a substantial gain, but geophysical activity and acreage acquisition decreased. The major interest continues to be in the Smackover trend and in field development in the Sabine uplift area.

Developments in Northern Rockies in 1965

In general, 1965 was a good year in the Northern Rockies. In Wyoming, overall drilling of 948 tests was down compared with previous years, but 32 new-field discoveries were made, 2 of which were of unusual significance because of their depth and apparent establishment of large reserves. Montana had its most active year to date with a total of 504 tests. Ten new fields, 6 pool discoveries, and 2 extensions resulted. Activity in South Dakota, while showing a significant statistical increase over recent years, was still nominal with only 31 tests having been drilled. In North Dakota, 240 wells were drilled, compared with 277 in 1964. One new-field wildcat, 3 extension wells, and 2 deeper-pool discoveries were drilled.

Developments in Louisiana Gulf Coast in 1965

The Louisiana Gulf Coast includes the 38 southern parishes of Louisiana and the 16 continental-shelf areas offshore. Oil and gas are produced from strata ranging in age from Cretaceous to Pleistocene. There were 2,887 development and exploratory wells drilled in 1965, 475 more than in 1964. Of the 654 exploratory wells, 19% were successful. Of the 28 new-field discoveries (12 onshore and 16 offshore), the most important finds are: Block 218 field, Vermilion Area; Block 19 and Block 280 fields, West Cameron Area; Cypress Island field, St. Martin Parish; and Hell Hole Bayou field, Vermilion Parish. The most significant of the 124 new pools and extensions were completed in Creole field, West Cameron Area; Block 8 field, South Marsh Island Area; Weeks Island field, Iberia Parish; Bayou Bouillon field, Iberville Parish; and Jeanerette field, St. Mary Parish. Geophysical activity increased notably in both onshore and offshore areas. The year 1965 compared favorably with 1964, and overall drilling activity and geophysical exploration actually increased.

New Frontiers in Montana Exploration: ABSTRACT

Exploration and development in Montana during 1962 was particularly significant both in terms of successful wildcats which opened large new areas for future exploration, and field extensions which revealed unexpected economic potential in dormant field areas. Two areas are discussed, the Williston basin in northeastern Montana and the Sweetgrass Hills province in northwestern Montana. A sequence of prolific pre-Mississippian Paleozoic discoveries in northwestern Montana since 1960 had earlier revived interest in this area. During 1962, exploration of this area was further stimulated by three widely separated new-field discoveries: Spring Lake, Lone Tree, and East Benrud, as well as successful development wells in Dwyer and Southwest Richey. McAlester Fuel's Spring Lake discovery, dually completed in the Devonian Nisku and the Ordovician Red River for a combined flow of 742 BOPD on choke was the most significant. A regional structure map, field maps, and cross sections illustrate how these 1962 discoveries have broadened the areas of active exploration interest and extended the reservoir objectives throughout the entire lower Paleozoic section, with multiple pay zones occurring in carbonate reservoirs at depths ranging from 7,500 feet to 12,000 feet. The significance of the existing production for future exploration includes: (1) location of the new discoveries off of known major structures, (2) distance from established production, (3) characteristic, subdued low-relief structural expression with regional dips averaging 30 feet to 60 feet per mile, and productive closures typically 50 feet to 75 feet, and (4) influence of facies, pore-size distribution and hydrodynamic factors in controlling il accumulation. In the Sweetgrass Hills province of northwestern Montana, 1962 extensions to existing production in the Flat Coulee and Whitlash field areas have revealed better quality reservoirs than were previously known and opened new pools. Cross sections illustrate the Jurassic Swift and Lower Cretaceous Sunburst sandstone reservoirs in which this production occurs at depths of 2,800-3,000 feet. Field maps show the accumulations to be combination stratigraphic-structural traps located down-flank on known structures. Numerous structural domes uplifted by deeply buried igneous intrusions, combined with rapid lateral variations in facies and porosity development in both Cretaceous and Jurassic reservoirs, holds forth the promise that many additional pools and fields will be found by future exploration in the Sweetgrass Hills province. End_of_Article - Last_Page 119------------

Petroleum Exploration and Production in Europe in 1964

Petroleum production in western Europe increased 7.2% over 1963, to a rate of 384,420 b/d. German oil production increased 3.9% to a rate of 149,200 b/d and gas production rose 52% to a rate of 190 million CFD. There was a 45% increase in Italian oil production as a result of putting the Gela low-gravity oil field on full production for the first time. Oil production increased by a small percentage in other west European countries. Oil was found for the first time in Spain with the discovery of the Ayoluengo field in the northern part of the country. Further drilling is required to evaluate its importance. In Austria there were 3 oil discoveries, and a new depth record for the country of 16,053 ft. was established. In France, 2 minor discoveries, one each of gas and oil, ere made. A large exploration permit was granted in the Bay of Biscay. In Germany exploratory drilling was directed primarily toward the finding of gas in Lower Triassic to Upper Carboniferous reservoirs in the Northwest German basin. Two significant new-field discoveries were made in the Lower Triassic near Bremen and there were important new-field and new-pool finds in the Triassic and Upper Carboniferous of the Emsland. In Italy 2 small gas discoveries were made in the Po Valley and 5 in the southeastern part of the peninsula. A test projected to the basal Mesozoic near the Adriatic coast was drilled to 19,392 ft. without reaching its objective. There was intense competitive drilling activity in The Netherlands, particularly in the provinces of Friesland and Noord Holland. Of 23 explo atory wells drilled, 5 were completed as shut-in gas discoveries and gas had been found in 2 additional wells that were deepening at the end of the year. The first possibly commercial hydrocarbon production in Switzerland was found by a well 40 km. northeast of Berne which tested wet gas in Tertiary sandstones. In the United Kingdom a small oil discovery was completed in the Jurassic in Dorset near the south coast, and another field was found in Carboniferous sediments in the Midlands. In Yugoslavia an important oil discovery was made in the Drava Valley. The United Kingdom opened its portion of the North Sea to filing for hydrocarbon rights, and 348 blocks of 77-100 sq. mi.were awarded to 23 applicants, mostly comprising groups of companies. The greatest interest was in the area between 53° and 55° N. Lat., where a deep Permian salt basin is believed to be present. Seismic exploration by various companies continued in the North Sea. The first drilling far from the coast commenced in 1964, with 3 wells in German waters and one in a U.K. block on the Dogger Banks near the center of the sea. One of the German wells found nitrogen gas under high pressure and was abandoned. In the Soviet Union oil and gas production continued to increase. The COMECON oil pipe-line to the satellite nations on the west was completed, as was the Trans-Siberian oil pipe-line as far as the Anagarsk refinery. The first oil discovery in Byelorussia was made in the Devonian. There were 2 further discoveries on the Mangyshlak Peninsula, and a gas find in the Cheleken area, both on the easte n coast of the Caspian Sea. Work evidently continued on the deep test at Aral Sor north of the Caspian Sea, with a depth of 19,800 ft. reported. In East Germany, commercial production began in fields in Pomerania, and a new discovery was reported in the area.

Exploration Activity and Oil and Gas Development in Utah during 1962: ABSTRACT

Exploration activity continued at a moderate pace in Utah during 1962. The Paradox basin, which has been very active since the discovery of Aneth in 1956, had considerably less activity during the year. The Uinta basin, on the other hand, experienced a considerably accelerated rate of exploration, due largely to the completion of the Mountain Fuel Supply Company pipeline connecting many of the gas fields of the basin to the Wasatch Front markets. Two rather insignificant new-field discoveries were made during the year in the southern end of the Paradox basin. Drilling of a few infield development wells and field extension wells continued in the greater Aneth area. The Ismay field received considerable drilling, extending the field south and southeast. The northern Paradox basin experienced some deep wildcat drilling in search of the Mississippian and deeper oil. All were unsuccessful. Three new discoveries were completed in the Paradox salt section in the general Big Flat area, indicating possible greater production from this stratigraphic interval. The Lisbon, Salt Wash, and Grassy Trail fields received some development drilling. The Uinta Basin Uncompahgre area had at least ten discoveries or extensions of significance, five predominantly gas producers, and five oil. Two of these, the Phillips Flat Rock well No. 2 in sec. 30, T. 14 S., R. 20 E., and Pacific Natural Gas Exploration Moon Ridge No. 1, sec. 15, T. 16 S., R. 21 E., indicated possible important field discoveries. Formations from Tertiary Green River to Cretaceous Dakota shared in the discoveries. Development in the Red Wash, Chapita Wells, Ute Trail, and Rock House fields continued at a fair rate. The emphasis of surface field work and geophysical work generally shifted west to the Wasatch Plateau, and Basin-and-Range areas, from the Paradox Basin, which has received most of the attention for the past few years. Considerable leasing took place in the Wasatch Plateau from the Clear Creek field south to the general Fish Lake area. Areas in the Basin-and-Range province, notably Box Elder and Iron Counties, experienced considerable leasing. Oil production in 1962 was 31,104,169 barrels, a decline of approximately 813,000 barrels from 1961. Gas production totaled 72,516,409 MCF, an increase of nearly 14,000,000 MCF over 1961. End_of_Article - Last_Page 119------------

Developments in Louisiana Gulf Coast in 1964

The Louisiana Gulf Coast consists of the 38 southern parishes of Louisiana and the 16 continental shelf areas offshore. Oil and gas are produced from strata ranging in age from Cretaceous to Pleistocene. There were 2,412 development and exploratory wells drilled in 1964, 9 fewer than in 1963. Of the 744 exploratory wells, 20 per cent were successful. Of the 36 new-field discoveries (23 onshore and 13 offshore), the most important finds are: Block 238 and Block 276 fields, Eugene Island Area; Block 108 field, South Marsh Island Area; Block 274 field, Ship Shoal Area; Block 193, Block 271, and Block 289 fields, Vermilion area; and Bayou Henry field, Iberville Parish. The most important of the 112 new pools and extensions were completed in Block 276 field, Eugene Island Area; Block 73 field, South Marsh Island Area; Ramos field, St. Mary Parish; and in Bayou Gerance field, Pointe Coupee Parish. Geophysical activity increased slightly onshore and markedly offshore. Lease activity remained at a high level. In general, 1964 compared favorably with the preceding year.

Developments in Louisiana Gulf Coast in 1963

The Louisiana Gulf Coast consists of the 38 southern parishes and the 16 continental shelf areas offshore. Oil and gas are produced from strata ranging in age from Cretaceous to Pleistocene. The 2,421 development and exploratory wells drilled in 1963 are 8.2% more than were drilled in 1962. Of the 749 exploratory wells, 15.6% were successful. Of the 43 new-field discoveries (26 onshore and 17 offshore) the most important finds are: 9 shallow Eocene fields in Avoyelles Parish; Lawson, Acadia; Half Moon Lake, St. Bernard; 5 new salt domes in South Marsh Island Area; Block 273 field Eugene Island Area; Block 176 field, South Timbalier; Block 250 field, Block 191 field, Block 54 field, Vermilion Area; and Block 64 field, Block 117 field, Block 73 field, West Delta Area. The most important of the 143 new pools and extensions include Little Pecan Lake and Kings Bayou, Cameron Parish, and Block 14 field, Vermilion Area. Geophysical activity showed a decrease onshore but increased offshore. Lease activity continued at a brisk pace. In general, 1963 compared favorably with 1962 and preceding years.

Developments in Arkansas and North Louisiana in 1963

This report covers that part of the Gulf Coastal Province located in North Louisiana and Arkansas, and the Paleozoic area of northwestern Arkansas. The District includes 26 parishes of North Louisiana and all of Arkansas. There was an over-all increase in drilling activity in 1963 as compared with the previous years. North Louisiana had a record-breaking year in the number of wells drilled. This was due to an increase in development drilling in the Wilcox trend and Saratoga-Annona Chalk areas of Sabine and Caddo Parishes. There was also an increase in exploratory drilling. Arkansas showed an increase in development and a decrease in exploration drilling activity. Fourteen new fields were discovered in North Louisiana and 5 new fields were discovered in Arkansas. Sandstones of the Wilcox formation accounted for the largest number of new-field discoveries in North Louisiana. Four of the new-field discoveries in South Arkansas were in the Nacatoch, Meakin, and Baker sands and the Smackover limestone. In North Arkansas the discovery was in the Atoka (Pennsylvanian) sand. The most important exploration activity in Arkansas was in search of gas in the Arkoma basin in the northwestern part of the state. Exploratory drilling was active in the Wilcox areas in the eastern part of North Louisiana, and in the western part the Saratoga and Annona Chalk areas were most active. Exploration activity will probably remain about the same during 1964 as was present in 1963. Arkansas' most important activity will be centered in the Arkoma basin while activity in North Louisiana will again be centered in the Wilcox, Sligo, Hosston-Cotton Valley, and Saratoga-Annona Chalk areas.