--> Abstract: New Oil and Gas from Mature Provinces, by J. H. Dorman; #90976 (1976).
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Abstract: New Oil and Gas from Mature Provinces

J. H. Dorman

As a result of wildcat drilling and seismic and leasing activity from 1970 through 1975 in the southern San Joaquin Valley, the discovery of hydrocarbons has equaled some of the more successful programs in the United States.

In this 6,000-sq-mi (15,600 sq km) area, and in the last 6 years, approximately 178 exploration wildcats, new-field extensions, and/or new-pool tests drilled have been deeper than 6,000 ft (1,829 m). There have been 5,573 mi (8,917 m) of dynamited or vibrated seismic, at an average industry cost of $1,800 per mi ($2,880 per km) during this same period. There have been at least 27 significant land plays, several of which still are active.

The southern San Joaquin basin is obviously a mature hydrocarbon province, having been abundantly explored over the last 76 years by every major oil company and hundreds of independents and consultants. Yet during the last half-decade, sizable accumulations of commercial oil have been discovered by new approaches and technologies in drilling, seismic work, and land.

The necessary expenditures incurred by industry to carry on its exploration programs were quite sizable. Yet through perseverance, full utilization of new techniques, cooperation among members of industry, and well-Previous HitbalancedTop programs, significant reserves were discovered.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90976©1976 AAPG-SEPM-SEG Pacific Section Meeting, San Francisco, California