Developments in Alaska in 1978

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

OSTI ID:5698836

Jones, B C

Twenty-seven exploratory wells were drilled in Alaska in 1978. One oil discovery was announced at the Point Thomson area on the Noth Slope and 9 suspended wells near the Prudhoe Bay field and the Kuparuk River field may have found oil. Two apparent gas discoveries were announced on the west side of Cook Inlet but the first well drilled in the Lower Cook Inlet OCS area was dry. Four wells drilled in the Gulf of Alaska OCS area were dry. Fifty-three development wells were drilled and all were successful; 7 service wells were completed. Geologic-geophysical field activity by both industry and government consisted of 95.89 crew-months, a decrease of 21% compared to 1977. This decrease affected all of the major basins of the state except the North Slope, which had a 13% increase from the previous year. Federal acreage under lease decreased more than 50%. State lease acreage declined slightly. As the Prudhoe Bay field reached its potential, the year's oil production showed an increase of 261% and gas production showed an increase of 160%. The State of Alaska announced a 5-year leasing schedule that may stimulate exploration, but the federal land situation remains unresolved until the 17(d) (2) question is decided by Congress. 5 figures, 5 tables.

• Research Organization: Marathon Oil Co., Anchorage, AK
• OSTI ID: 5698836
• 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
03 NATURAL GAS
030200 -- Natural Gas-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
ALASKA
ARCTIC OCEAN
BEAUFORT SEA
DRILLING
DRY HOLES
ENERGY SOURCES
EXPLORATORY WELLS
FLUIDS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUEL GAS
FUELS
GAS FUELS
GASES
LAND LEASING
LEASES
LEASING
LEGAL ASPECTS
NATURAL GAS
NATURAL GAS WELLS
NORTH AMERICA
OIL WELLS
PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGION
PETROLEUM
PRODUCTION
PRUDHOE BAY
SEAS
SURFACE WATERS
USA
WELLS