Soviet Union targets still beckon

Journal Article · Fri Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1991 · AAPG Explorer; (United States)

OSTI ID:5950435

Shirley, K

The excitement generated by the opening of the Soviet Union to Western oil companies has not waned since that first overture by the Soviet oil ministries and, considering the potential opportunities, sustained enthusiasm is understandable. A significant portion of the world's largest country remains virtually untouched by a drill bit, and even the mature regions are still prospective particularly with state-of-the-art Western technologies. The exploration history of the USSR is a testament to the potential that remains in new basins and plays. Estimates of Soviet proved reserves range from 50 to 80 billion barrels of oil, the largest concentration outside the Persian Gulf. Also, the country has estimated proved reserves of 1,500 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, which is over 38% of the worldwide total. This paper briefly describes each of the five currently mapped oil regions which is based on geography, geology, and exploration maturity. It also provides historical information on the USSR oil industry.

• OSTI ID: 5950435
• Journal Information: AAPG Explorer; (United States), Journal Name: AAPG Explorer; (United States) Vol. 12:3; ISSN AAPEE; ISSN 0195-2986
• 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
ASIA
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
ENERGY SOURCES
EUROPE
EXPLORATION
FLUIDS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUEL GAS
FUELS
GAS FUELS
GASES
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
GEOLOGY
HISTORICAL ASPECTS
INDUSTRY
MINERAL RESOURCES
NATURAL GAS
NATURAL GAS DEPOSITS
NATURAL GAS INDUSTRY
PETROLEUM
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
PETROLEUM GEOLOGY
PETROLEUM INDUSTRY
RESERVES
RESOURCES
SEDIMENTARY BASINS
USSR