Texas, Exclusive Of The Gulf Coast

TAKING into consideration the present state of geologic knowledge and present economic status of the oil industry, we have attempted to outline the six principal districts in which oil occurs and new pools may be expected. The map, Fig. 1, also shows the location of the present productive pools-about 100 in number. The unshaded areas represent territory where drilling depths to known sands are prohibitive with present development and pumping methods, or such sands are absent or give promise of such small production that deep wildcat tests are unwarranted. They include, also, territory where the oil-source materials are absent or not of the right type; and where shales are insufficient in the stratigraphic section to prevent the escape of oil and gas. Some doubtful districts are also included, such as the Pecos Valley, where the percentage of rigid beds, sandstones and limestones may be too great; and the Nacogdoches oil field, where small shallow production is obtained but where deep or large production is unlikely. The map is not offered as final but in the hope that it may prevent the expenditure of large sums in attempted development of unlikely territory and as the warning that those who drill in the unshaded territory do so at great risk. Those who drill in such territory should have large sums available for pioneering and experimenting and only attempt it if they can well afford to lose the money expended. Search in the shaded or cross-hatched areas is hazardous enough and should only be undertaken after detailed geologic surveys. Out of a total area of 256,000 sq. mi., the oil and gas districts comprise about 80,000 sq. mi.; the territory embraced in these districts is shown in the shaded portions. This may ultimately be increased somewhat by the addition of some minor districts, but such additions will be offset by territory probably now included in the unshaded areas. The shaded areas probably contain 98 per cent. or more of the ultimate production of the state, despite the fact that they represent only 31 per cent. of the total area.