Abstract: A Look at the "Roots" of Some Key Ideas, Concepts and Technologies Used in Petroleum Exploration and Production

ZIEGLAR, DONALD, Retired, Windsor, CA

Observations and measurements resulting from exploration and production activities since the Drake oil discovery in 1859 have required the development of answers about the when, where, why, and how aspects of hydrocarbon accumulations. Those answers provided conceptual guidelines that focused new activities, which in turn generated new questions that required the development of new methodologies and technologies. Subsurface mapping and graphic display techniques to synthesize information were and are essential to illustrate and communicate conclusions to colleagues, company managers, and investors.

Until the early 1900s, geologists associated with federal and state geological surveys and with university geological departments were in the forefront of developing the basin concepts, techniques, and technologies. After the early 1900s, the geological and geophysical groups within individual oil and gas companies continued seeking better answers to old questions and new answers for the new questions that resulted from their ongoing exploration and production activities.

Looking at the "roots" of some of the key ideas, concepts and technologies, highlights the individuals and companies involved with their development (many were in California), and how these contributions have led to the mind-boggling techniques now being used in petroleum exploration and production.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90911©2000 AAPG Pacific Section and Western Region Society of Petroleum Engineers, Long Beach, California