Developments in west Texas and eastern New Mexico in 1979. [Total wells, development wells, and success rate]

Journal Article · Mon Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1980 · Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol. Bull.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6952495

Diemer, R A ^[1]; Gibson, W R; Miller, Jr, H A

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1. Geomap Co., Midland, TX

A total of 5237 wells was drilled in eastern New Mexico and west Texas during 1979 - 14.5% more than in 1978. The success rate for all wells was 78.4%, down 0.4% from 1978. The number of exploratory wells drilled was 19.2% higher than in 1978, and total exploratory footage drilled was up 2.9%. The exploratory success rate decreased from 36.4 to 27%. Seismic-crew activity increased 1.6% from 1978, continuing an upward trend. Because seismic activity is usually a reliable indicator of trends in exploratory drilling, an increase in wildcat drilling is predicted for 1980 and 1981. During 1979, 13.6% more development wells were drilled and development footage reached a record mark of 24,114,707, an increase of 3.9%. Development success rate increased 1.7 to 89%. Oil production for 1979 was 644,005,756 bbl down 3.8% from 1978 and down 13.8% from the all-time high of 747,467,187 bbl in 1973. Oil production from west Texas and eastern New Mexico still represents approximately one-fifth of total United States production.

• OSTI ID: 6952495
• Journal Information: Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol. Bull.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol. Bull.; (United States) Vol. 64:9; 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
DRILLING
EXPLORATION
EXPLORATORY WELLS
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS
INDUSTRY
MINERAL RESOURCES
NATURAL GAS DEPOSITS
NEW MEXICO
NORTH AMERICA
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
PETROLEUM INDUSTRY
RESOURCES
SOUTHWEST REGION
SURVEYS
TEXAS
USA
WELL DRILLING
WELLS