Marine geology and petroleum resources

Journal Article · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1971 · Eighth World Petrol. Congr.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6137329

Weeks, L G

The greatest topographic feature on the solid surface of the earth is the continental terrace. It comprises the coastal plain, continental shelf, and continental slope. Over 75% of the world's petroleum reserves occurs beneath its surface; from here most of the petroleum reserves of the future will be recovered. The area of the world's offshore shelf of 300 m water depth is 26 million sq km. Of the total shelf, 58% is basin area. Only about one-third of the basin area or 19% of the shelf is commercially attractive for petroleum. The potential hydrocarbon resources of the world shelves are estimated at 790 billion bbl petroleum liquids, 400 billion bbl petroleum gas equivalent, 300 billion bbl secondary oil recovery, and 200 billion bbl from heavy oil sands. For reasons stated, many factors favor the offshore over the onshore. (18 refs.)

• Research Organization: Weeks L G Assocs Ltd
• OSTI ID: 6137329
• Report Number(s): CONF-710677-
• Journal Information: Eighth World Petrol. Congr.; (United States), Journal Name: Eighth World Petrol. Congr.; (United States) Vol. 2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020200 -- Petroleum-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
03 NATURAL GAS
030300 -- Natural Gas-- Drilling
Production
& Processing
CONTINENTAL MARGIN
CONTINENTAL SHELF
CONTINENTAL SLOPE
DRILLING
ENERGY SOURCES
EXPLORATION
FLUIDS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUEL GAS
FUELS
GAS FUELS
GASES
NATURAL GAS
OFFSHORE DRILLING
OIL WELLS
PETROLEUM
PRODUCTION
RESERVES
RESOURCES
WELLS