Developments in West Texas and eastern New Mexico in 1978

Journal Article · Wed Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1979 · Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol. Bull.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5631221

Gibson, W R; Stichtenoth, C W

A total of 4572 wells was drilled in eastern New Mexico and West Texas during 1978 - 6.7% fewer than in 1977. The success rate for all wells was 78.8%, identical with 1977. The number of exploratory wells drilled was 16.9%, fewer than in 1977, but total exploratory footage drilled was down only 5%. The exploratory success rate increased by 2.8% to 36.4%. Seismic-crew activity increased 15.9% from 1977 continuing an upward trend. Seismic activity is usually a reliable indicator of trends in exploratory drilling; therefore, a new increase in wildcat drilling is predicted for late 1979 and 1980. During 1978 4.3% fewer development wells were drilled, but total development footage increased 3.1% to a record 23,199,275 ft. Development success rate decreased 1.9% to 87.3%. Oil production for 1978 was 669,441,101 bbl, down 3.9% from 1977 and down 10.4% from the all-time high of 747.467,187 bbl in 1973. Despite this decline, oil production from West Texas and eastern New Mexico still represents approximately one-fifth of total Unitd States production. 5 figures, 4 tables.

• Research Organization: Texaco Inc., Midland, TX
• OSTI ID: 5631221
• Journal Information: Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol. Bull.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol. Bull.; (United States) Vol. 63:8; ISSN AAPGB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020200* -- Petroleum-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
DRILLING
ENERGY SOURCES
EXPLORATORY WELLS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
NEW MEXICO
NORTH AMERICA
PETROLEUM
PRODUCTION
SOUTHWEST REGION
TEXAS
USA
WELLS