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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 30 (1946)

Issue: 12. (December)

First Page: 2088

Last Page: 2089

Title: Effects of World War II on California Oil Reserves: ABSTRACT

Author(s): Graham B. Moody

Article Type: Meeting abstract

Abstract:

The enormous demands of World War II for California oil were met successfully. Production was increased from 230,263,000 barrels in 1941 to 326,555,000 barrels in 1945. This is an increase of 41.8%. The comparable figure for the balance of the United States is 18%. During the period 1941 to 1945, inclusive, California produced 18.2% of total United States oil production and 11.7% of total world production. It increased its proportion of total United States production from 16.4% in 1941 to 19.1% in 1945. One other record of past performance is of interest: California had produced to December 31, 1945, about 22% and 14% of total cumulative production from the United States and the world, respectively. This performance was accomplished by development of about 245,000 proved roductive acres, a small area compared to that in other producing states. Average ultimate recovery from California fields is estimated to be about 44,000 barrels per acre. Other major producing states have estimated ultimate recoveries of 8,000 to 14,000 barrels per acre. California pools have sufficient thickness to compensate for their restricted area extent.

Despite the drain on California's oil resources by World War II, production in the middle of September, 1946, was about 870,000 barrels daily; the daily average during 1941 was about 631,000 barrels. During the period 1941 to 1945, inclusive, the discovery of new pools and new fields in California added estimated reserves equal to about one-third of production during that period. Additional reserves must be discovered in order to continue to meet the unprecedented peacetime demand for California oil. More new pools in present producing areas probably will add larger amounts to reserves than will new fields (Tidelands excepted). It will require intensified geological effort to find

End_Page 2088------------------------------

these new reserves. There still is ample opportunity in California for the competent and imaginative geologist who can evolve a productive program from a mass of factual information.

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